Pakistan has forcibly deported 11,371 Afghan refugees back to Afghanistan through the Torkham border. According to media reports, over 3,669 Afghan refugees were repatriated through the border crossing yesterday. Several forcibly deported individuals stated that they were arrested by Pakistani police while at work and deported to Afghanistan, leaving behind their businesses and family members.
Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan have narrated harrowing accounts of their belongings being confiscated by Pakistani police during forced deportations, intensifying the hardship of an already traumatic journey and life ahead.
In its statement, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation Affairs condemned the forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, declaring it a violation of Islamic principles, humanitarian values, and international laws. The Ministry has also called on international organisations to extend necessary support to the refugees during these challenging times, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure their safe and dignified repatriation.