153 Afghan refugees return voluntarily via Torkham border

Following Pakistan’s announcement to end the deadline for Afghan refugees to return, 153 Afghan refugees voluntarily crossed the Torkham border back to Afghanistan. This decision aligns with the government’s policy of encouraging dignified repatriation, rather than forcible expulsion.

Pakistani officials established two designated transit points to facilitate the return of refugees. One in the Khyber tribal region and the other in Peshawar. These points are part of the government’s effort to ensure the process runs smoothly and refugees are not harmed during their journey home.

The Pakistani government emphasized that no refugees were forcibly expelled from the country. The authorities have consistently stated that the aim is to ensure Afghan refugees return voluntarily and with dignity, maintaining their rights and safety in the process.

Between March 31 and April 2, 153 Afghan refugees and 850 undocumented foreign nationals voluntarily left Pakistan, marking a part of the broader repatriation efforts. This process highlights the country’s push for the peaceful return of refugees to Afghanistan.

Pakistan has made it clear that it will only use force if refugees refuse to leave voluntarily. While the government encourages voluntary returns, it has made it clear that force will be a last resort in ensuring the completion of the repatriation process.

Since the initiation of the repatriation efforts in 2023, more than 477,000 Afghan refugees, including women and children, have returned to Afghanistan. This ongoing movement is a response to Pakistan’s desire to clear out long-standing refugee populations while addressing the growing concerns over undocumented migrants.

Human rights groups have expressed concerns about the safety of Afghan refugees returning, particularly women and vulnerable groups who may face persecution in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The risk of mistreatment or worse for these returnees has raised significant alarm among international organizations.

As the repatriation process continues, the international community has called on Pakistan to ensure that returning refugees are not subjected to any harm and are treated with respect. There are also calls for greater protection measures for vulnerable individuals, particularly women activists, who could face heightened risks upon returning to Afghanistan.

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