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Afghan Returnees' Winter Plea: Why the Taliban's Promise Faces a Crucial Test

Afghan refugees who were recently forced to return from neighboring countries are now facing a desperate situation as winter sets in. They are directly appealing to the Taliban-led government for immediate shelter, employment, and essential supplies to survive the cold. This comes amid reports of thousands being deported in a single day from Pakistan and Iran. While the Taliban has promised assistance, the scale of the returns is putting a severe strain on resources and testing their ability to deliver.

Key Points: Afghan Returnees Urge Taliban for Winter Shelter and Jobs

  • Returnees plead for shelter and work as winter cold threatens their health and survival
  • Over 4,500 refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day
  • Taliban official reports thousands deported, with some families receiving limited aid
  • Analysts urge continued support from both the Taliban government and aid organizations
2 min read

Afghan returnees call for Taliban's support as winter approaches

Afghan refugees forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran plead with the Taliban for shelter, jobs, and supplies as harsh winter approaches, testing the group's promises.

"We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to our situation. We are sick and cannot work in this cold. We need help. - Aynuddin, Afghan Returnee"

Kabul, Dec 15

Refugees, who have recently returned to Afghanistan and are now residing in designated camps, have urged the Taliban to provide them shelter, employment opportunities and access to necessary supplies as the winter season is approaching.

"We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to our situation. We are sick and cannot work in this cold. We need help," Afghanistan-based Tolo News quoted one Afghan returnee, Aynuddin, as saying.

Khan Mohammad and Mohammad Awaz, who have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan after 40 years, have expressed hope that the Taliban will help them get through the winter and added, "After that, we will try to rebuild our lives."

Mohammad Awaz said, "I have ten children, and I'm worried they'll fall ill this winter. We ask the Islamic Emirate to provide us with facilities."

Analysts have stated that the government and aid organisations should continue supporting the Afghan refugees who recently returned to their homes.

The appeal from returnees and analysts comes as Afghan refugees have been forcibly deported from neighbouring nations in recent years. The Taliban has repeatedly promised that it will provide assistance to Afghan refugees and urged host nations to stop forced deportations.

On Sunday, a Taliban official said that more than 4,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran in a single day.

Sharing a report from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants' Issues on X, Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat stated that 913 families, comprising 4,991 individuals, returned to Afghanistan on Saturday, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

As per the report, the returnees entered Afghanistan through Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, Torkham crossing in Nangarhar, Islam Qala crossing in Herat, and Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz.

The spokesman further said that 933 families (5,068 people) who returned to Afghanistan were taken to their respective home areas, while 754 families were provided humanitarian assistance. Telecommunication firms provided 771 SIM cards to Afghan refugees who returned to their homes.

Fitrat stated that 10,043 Afghan refugees were deported from Iran and Pakistan on Thursday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very complex situation. Pakistan and Iran deporting them, Taliban promising help but can they deliver? The numbers are staggering - over 10,000 in a day. Hope aid reaches the people who need it most.
A
Aman W
India has always had a soft corner for Afghan people. Remember how we helped with wheat? Hope our government considers more humanitarian corridors. The focus should be on saving lives, nothing else.
S
Sarah B
While the humanitarian crisis is undeniable, I respectfully question the Taliban's capacity and will to provide long-term solutions. Promises are one thing, systemic support is another. The world must ensure aid is not politicized.
V
Vikram M
Returning after 40 years! Can't imagine what that must feel like. Their homeland is now under a different rule. The Taliban talks of an "Islamic Emirate", they must now prove they can care for their own citizens. Basic shelter and food is the least.
K
Karthik V
The mention of SIM cards is interesting. Even in crisis, connectivity matters. But what good is a SIM card if you have no roof or food? Priorities seem a bit off. Shelter and warm clothes first, please.

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