ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Pakistan has released 387 Afghan nationals from its prisons over the past week and deported them to Afghanistan, according to figures compiled by Amu based on Taliban statements.
The individuals were reportedly detained for lacking legal residency documents. Local Taliban officials and humanitarian organizations have provided support and essential aid to those returning, according to the statements.
Baz Mohammad Abdul Rahman, head of the Taliban’s Department for Refugees and Repatriation in Nangarhar province, said 141 Afghan nationals were handed over to Taliban authorities at the Torkham border crossing over the past two days.
The releases include 14 Afghan prisoners freed from detention in Nushki, Balochistan, on January 16, after being held for 15 days. On January 14, the Taliban reported the release of 19 prisoners from Adiala, Central, Attock, and Haji Camp prisons in Pakistan. These individuals returned to Afghanistan after five months in detention.
In Spin Boldak, Taliban border officials said 21 Afghans, who had been detained for one to three months, were released and returned home. On January 13, 45 prisoners were freed from Haji Camp prison and received humanitarian aid upon their return, according to Taliban statements.
The most recent release involved 16 detainees, who had been in custody for two to six days, returning to Afghanistan on January 16.
The releases come amid an ongoing crackdown by Pakistan on Afghan migrants. Local Taliban officials said that over the past two days, 123 additional Afghan migrants were forcibly deported via the Torkham border crossing.
The situation highlights the precarious status of Afghan migrants in Pakistan, many of whom fled to escape conflict and economic hardship in Afghanistan. Human rights organizations have called for humane treatment of migrants and better coordination between the two countries to address the issue.
