The Taliban’s commission for addressing migrant affairs announced that a total of 5,932 Afghan nationals were deported from Iran and Pakistan on April 8, amid continued repatriation efforts by the two neighbouring countries.
According to an official statement, 3,743 individuals were expelled from Pakistan, while 2,189 were deported from Iran. The deportees returned to Afghanistan through various crossing points, including 3,500 families via the Torkham border, 243 families through Spin Boldak, 1,549 individuals via Pul-e-Abrisham, and 640 migrants from Islam Qala.
Reacting to the rising number of deportations, Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed that the commission had convened a meeting to discuss the situation of returning migrants. The commission also announced the establishment of a temporary camp for returnees at the Torkham crossing to address immediate needs.
Separately, the Taliban’s Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations reported that 40 Afghan migrants were handed over by Pakistan after completing prison sentences.
The surge in deportations follows intensified efforts by Pakistan and Iran to repatriate undocumented Afghan nationals. Pakistani authorities have reportedly accelerated mass deportations following the expiration of a voluntary return deadline, with hundreds of Afghans being detained and expelled daily.
