Mass Deportations Surge at Torkham Border Amid Crisis

In a significant development reported by Tolo News, 300 families and 350 prisoners have been forcibly deported through the Torkham crossing in the past 24 hours. Officials in Nangarhar disclosed that deportees received essential assistance before being transferred to their home areas.

Bakht Jamal Gohar, leading migrant transportation at Torkham, confirmed the return of these individuals, stating that the Pakistani side returned 350 prisoners, including 20 families with legal documents. Despite the involuntary relocations, deportees are calling for more support from the Islamic Emirate and international aid organizations.

Deportees like Ejazul Haq and Sharbat Khan expressed mixed emotions, recounting their plight of losing belongings and desiring not only aid but also land. Another poignant story is that of Abdullah, a Kunar resident who was deported after thirty years in Pakistan, leaving behind a challenging life for an uncertain future.

Sharifullah, Abdullah's son, narrated the family's distress after losing contact with Abdullah. The Ministry of Refugees reports that as many as 747 families were forcibly returned from Pakistan and Iran yesterday alone.

The International Organization for Migration warns of a looming crisis, with 1.5 million migrants deported this year. Urgent international support is needed as Pakistan's deportation measures continue to exacerbate Afghanistan's challenges.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, emphasized the critical need for aid as Afghanistan faces one of the largest return movements in recent history. More than 4 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan since September 2023; the situation is dire, underscoring the need for global intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)