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Afghan Refugee Crisis: Over 4,000 Forcibly Repatriated in a Single Day

More than 4,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly sent back from Pakistan and Iran in just one day. The returns happened through multiple border crossings as reported by a Taliban official. This follows disturbing incidents where police raided a camp in Islamabad, beating activists and dismantling tents. Activists are now calling for international attention to what they see as a violation of refugee rights.

Key Points: 4000 Afghan Refugees Forcibly Repatriated from Pakistan Iran

  • Over 4,800 people returned through five major border crossings in a single day
  • Taliban provided humanitarian aid and SIM cards to some returning families
  • Police raids in Islamabad involved beatings and detention of activists
  • Rights groups warn forcible relocations breach international protection standards
2 min read

Over 4000 Afghan refugees forcibly repatriated from Pakistan, Iran in single day

Taliban official reports over 4,000 Afghan refugees forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran in one day, amid reports of police raids and injuries.

"They came, gathered everyone, dismantled all tents and loaded us into vehicles. Some children are injured. We don’t know where they’re taking us. - Afghan Migrant"

Kabul, Dec 1

More than 4000 Afghan refugees have been forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day, the Afghan media quoted a top Taliban official as saying on Monday.

While sharing the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues report on X, Taliban Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 1,053 families, comprising 4,834 people, returned to Afghanistan on Sunday, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

Afghan refugees entered Afghanistan through Torkham crossing in Nangarhar, Islam Qala crossing in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, and Bahramcha in Helmand.

Fitrat stated that 1,160 families which comprised 6,566 people were taken to their respective areas while 780 families were provided humanitarian assistance. In addition, 827 SIM cards were given to Afghan refugees who returned to Afghanistan.

Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 1,188 families, comprising 6,553 people, were forcibly repatriated to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran on Saturday.

Last week, several Afghan migrants and women activists were beaten and detained after Islamabad police conducted overnight raids in Pakistani capital's Argentina Park, Afghan media reported.

Police surrounded the park without prior notice during night and swept through tents set up by about 200 Afghan families and activists who had been living there for around four months and removed them using physical force, Afghan media outlet Amu TV reported citing sources.

In a video message, one migrant said, "They came, gathered everyone, dismantled all tents and loaded us into vehicles. Some children are injured. We don’t know where they’re taking us."

Another activist, with wounds on her eye and forehead, said she was beaten by police. "I am here for rights of women, for human rights. Because I am Afghan. Because I am a woman," Amu TV quoted her as saying.

The Afghan refugees and the activists said that police threatened to forcibly relocate around 400 vulnerable families to Afghanistan, sparking concerns among rights groups that the actions breach international standards for refugee protection.

Activists have urged international human rights groups and media to raise their voice for Afghan migrants, warning that continued silence over the issue "means abandoning people whose only weapon is the cry for justice."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very complex situation. While no one should be beaten, host countries like Pakistan have their own economic pressures. The real issue is the instability in Afghanistan. Until that is resolved, such humanitarian crises will continue. The world needs to focus on peace there.
A
Aman W
The woman activist saying "I am here for rights of women, for human rights. Because I am Afghan. Because I am a woman" – that hit hard. 💔 The Taliban government needs to ensure the safety and rights of its own citizens, especially women, if they want people to return and stay.
S
Sarah B
Providing SIM cards is a small but practical step by the Taliban administration to help with reintegration. But it's a drop in the ocean. Where is the long-term plan for housing, jobs, and food for thousands returning daily? The international community cannot look away.
V
Vikram M
As an Indian, seeing this news is troubling. We have our own history with partition and refugees. Forced returns in the middle of the night, with violence, set a dangerous precedent. South Asia needs a collective, compassionate approach to this crisis, not brute force.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on *why* Pakistan and Iran are doing this now. What are their stated reasons? Is it purely political, or are there genuine resource strains? Understanding the push factors is key to finding a solution.

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