640 Afghan Migrants Returned from Pakistani Prisons Amid Ongoing Challenges

The Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that 640 Afghan migrants have been released from Pakistani prisons and returned to their homeland. The group includes families and individuals who arrived in Afghanistan this week.

Release of Afghan Migrants from Pakistani Prisons

According to the latest announcement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, a total of 640 Afghan migrants have been freed from various prisons in Pakistan and have returned to their country this week. The individuals comprised families, children, and single persons who had spent varying lengths of time incarcerated in Pakistan.

Entry of Migrants Through Different Crossings

Reports indicate that out of the 640 individuals, 585 entered Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing, while the rest arrived via the Spin Boldak crossing. This movement underscores the ongoing trend of Afghan migrants returning home, even as they face numerous challenges.

Decline in Return of Afghan Migrants

On July 10, the Pakistani government initiated a new round of detentions and expulsions of Afghan migrants, a decision that has drawn significant criticism and raised concerns among Afghan families. Meanwhile, data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals a notable decline in the number of Afghan migrants returning during the first two weeks of August compared to previous weeks. This trend reflects the mounting challenges facing migrants and the prevailing crises within Pakistan.