According to reports, these individuals were freed on Saturday, August 10, following efforts by the consulate of Afghanistan in Karachi.Officials stated that these individuals, despite having immigration cards, were detained for unknown reasons.
Previously, dozens of Afghan migrants, including children, were arrested by Pakistani forces due to a lack of legal residency documents.Reports of the detention, torture, and mistreatment of Afghan migrants in both Iran and Pakistan have been increasing.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also reported that approximately 1,000 Afghan migrants and asylum seekers were detained by Pakistani forces during the first three months of 2024.Statistics from the UNHCR show that since September 15, 2023, around 547,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan.
The increasing number of Afghan migrants facing detention and mistreatment in neighboring countries has raised serious concerns among international human rights organizations.The international community is being urged to take more decisive action to prevent further human rights violations and to support the safe and dignified return of Afghan migrants to their homeland.
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has reported that nearly two million Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries over the past year.
Officials from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation released these statistics during a press conference held at the Government Media Information Center.
According to the ministry, a total of 1,779,603 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, and other countries.
The ministry also stated that 788,821 internally displaced and returning families received cash and non-cash assistance, and arrangements were made for the relocation of 96,293 returning families to their desired areas.
Officials further clarified that 5,766 Afghan migrants imprisoned in Pakistan and Turkey were released and returned home. The ministry’s annual report also noted that 4,000 Afghans who were detained for various crimes in Iran were transferred back to Afghanistan, and 600 Afghan migrants in Pakistan and Iran were provided the opportunity to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop of increasing deportations of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan in recent times.
The ongoing surge in deportations highlights the critical need for comprehensive support and reintegration strategies for returning migrants. The international community and local authorities must work collaboratively to ensure that these individuals and families are provided with the necessary resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives in Afghanistan.
Addressing the root causes of migration and creating sustainable living conditions in Afghanistan will be crucial in preventing further displacement and ensuring the long-term stability of the region.
