At least 186 Afghan migrant families were repatriated from Iran and Pakistan on Friday, according to reports from Taliban-run media. The Bakhtar News Agency detailed the return, noting that 37 families came from Pakistan, while 149 families returned from Iran.
The report specified that 24 families entered Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing, and 13 families crossed through Spin Boldak. Additionally, 76 families returned through the Silk Road crossing in Nimroz, and 73 families entered via the Islam Qala crossing in Herat.
Many of the repatriated migrants have reported experiencing harsh treatment in the host countries, with both Pakistan and Iran governments underlining the deportation of Afghan migrants who lack legal documentation. Pakistan, in particular, has repeatedly emphasized its intention to deport undocumented Afghan nationals.
The forced returns have raised alarm among human rights organizations, which have expressed deep concerns about the uncertain fate awaiting those deported back to Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
A recent United Nations report revealed that nearly 700,000 Afghan migrants have returned to the country between September 15, 2023, and July 31 of this year, underscoring the scale of the ongoing repatriations.
