Afghan Returnees Demand Compensation as Pakistani Government Auctions Their Properties Worth Millions

A group of Afghans returning from Pakistan has reported that the Pakistani government has auctioned their business properties worth 100 million rupees and has yet to provide them with any compensation.

Auction of Afghan Migrants’ Properties in Pakistan Valued at 100 Million Rupees

A group of Afghan returnees from Pakistan has reported that their assets in the Chakwāl district of Punjab have been put up for auction, estimated at approximately 100 million Pakistani rupees. This auction took place on September 4 (13th of Sunbula 1405) and, despite promises made by local officials, the affected individuals have not yet received any payments for their properties.

Amīn Khān, one of the returning Afghans, noted that he left behind assets worth millions of rupees in Chakwāl without any payment. He stated, “We are now in Kabul, while the auction took place in Pakistan. We had two shops and had paid six months’ rent for them.”

Financial Struggles and Debts of Afghan Migrants

Another Afghan, who requested anonymity, told Radio Azadi that the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad had promised that the proceeds from the auction would be paid to them, but there has been no progress. He added, “The properties were sold for less than half their value,” and despite repeated inquiries, no resolution has been reached.

Meanwhile, Atīqullāh, another returnee, is facing additional challenges. He explained that he had lent money to many individuals in Chakwāl and is now unable to reach them. He remarked, “I lent about 8.5 million rupees, but they are not even answering my phone calls.”

Unfulfilled Promises by the Pakistani Government

Afghan migrants emphasize that despite government promises regarding the issuance of trade visas, they have been unable to resume their economic activities. Asadullāh Niāzī, one of the affected individuals, urged the Taliban to take serious notice of this issue.

It’s worth mentioning that Pakistan began expelling Afghan migrants in 2023, and by August 2026, more than 2.6 million Afghans had been deported from the country. This situation has forced many migrants to leave their properties in Pakistan and now face significant financial and legal challenges.