640 Afghan Migrants Released from Pakistani Prisons Return Home Amid Ongoing Challenges

The Taliban government’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation has announced the return of 640 Afghan migrants who were released from prisons in Pakistan. This group includes families as well as single individuals who arrived in Afghanistan this week.

Release of Afghan Migrants from Pakistani Prisons

According to the announcement from the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, 640 Afghan migrants were freed from various prisons in Pakistan this week and have returned to their homeland. These individuals had spent varying periods in detention facilities across the country.

Entry Points for Returning Migrants

According to released data, out of the 640 returnees, 585 entered Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing, while the rest crossed at Spin Boldak. This indicates a continued trend of Afghan migrants returning home, although they face significant challenges along the way.

Decline in the Number of Returning Afghan Migrants

The Pakistani government initiated a new round of arrests and expulsions of Afghan migrants on July 10, an action that has drawn considerable criticism and raised concerns among Afghan families. Meanwhile, data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) show that the rate of Afghan returnees significantly decreased in the first two weeks of August compared to previous weeks. This decline highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and the underlying crises present in Pakistan.