Prior to this, the EU sent nearly 100 tonnes of essential goods and medical supplies to Afghanistan via the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight…reports Asian Lite News
A new European Humanitarian Air Bridge flight has delivered close to 100 tonnes of life-saving medical equipment and supplies to Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported citing a statement from the EU Delegation in Afghanistan.
The EU Charge d’Affaires to Afghanistan at the time, Raffaella Iodice, said, “This is solidarity in action: Today, we welcomed the arrival of nearly 100 tonnes of medical supplies and medications to Afghanistan. “Our EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flights are a good example of the EU’s assistance to the country: In cooperation with trusted humanitarian partners, the EU continues delivering vital aid to Afghans in need,” he added, according to Khaama Press.
The European Humanitarian Response Capacity (EHRC) includes flights operated by the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge.
These flights, which are funded and run by the EU Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) division, assist in bridging significant humanitarian and emergency aid gaps within the EU. Khaama Press reported.
Prior to this, the EU sent nearly 100 tonnes of essential goods and medical supplies to Afghanistan via the EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, the situation of people in Afghanistan has only deteriorated as the country is under a massive grip of a humanitarian crisis.
Moreover, the situation of women in the country has only got worse.
Women in the country are prohibited from leadership posts, and not allowed to work as well as travel unless accompanied by a male companion. There is still no word on when or if these schools will reopen or if the ban is indefinite.
Meanwhile the European Union has provided over 5.7 million euros to the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan to help them improve the lives of 3,50,000 Afghan families, according to Tolo News.
The EU in Afghanistan said in a statement that the European Union provided more than 5.7 million euros in livelihood support to the Dutch Committee for Afghanistan. They added that this will further help to improve food security, strengthen community resilience and support rural communities in transitioning from aid dependency towards self-sufficiency, reported Tolo News.
Raffaella Lodice, EU Chargée d’Affaires to Afghanistan added, “We ensure that 350,000 households will be more food secure and less dependent on international aid assistance.” (ANI)
4,559 Afghan refugees expelled from Iran, Pakistan Taliban
More than 4,000 academics employed by Teacher Training Centres across the nation, according to the centres’ instructors, face an uncertain future…reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban has shut down “Teacher Training Centers” in Afghanistan, TOLOnews reported.
The dissolution of “Teacher Training Centres” was confirmed by instructors who spoke with the Afghan news agency. In a letter published six days ago, the Ministry of Education (MoE) stated that instructors and staff from Teacher Training Centres would be hired to fill open positions in schools, Darul-Ulooms, and seminaries.
Notably, the centres were dissolved based on the decree outlined in the letter.
The instructors of the training centres that have been dissolved expressed their concerns and urged the Taliban to review its decision, TOLOnews reported.
“In a letter, a special guideline, unfortunately, an educational entity, an administration of the Ministry of Education, a backbone of the society, has been demolished,” said an instructor of Parwan Darul-Mualimeen, Hamid Ahmadzada.
More than 4,000 academics employed by Teacher Training Centres across the nation, according to the centres’ instructors, face an uncertain future.
In a separate statement, Zabiullah Hashimi, an instructor at the Teacher Training Center in Parwan said, “The Ministry of Education on one hand claims that the school teachers are not professionals and on the other hand, it separates 4,000 academic teachers from the education (sector).”
Criticising the Taliban’s move, Farhad Ibrar, a university instructor said, “It is not wise that thousands of instructors lose their jobs and also we will face a shortage of teachers in the future.”
Bank withdrawal limits
Afghanistan’s citizens are criticising the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on bank withdrawal limits, Tolo News reported.
Tolo News is an Afghan news channel broadcasting from Kabul. The citizens said that since the Taliban took over the country, it has been difficult to withdraw money and this problem has made them face many challenges. They called on the Taliban to address the problem.
A Kabul resident, Abdul Shokor Akbari, said, “In this current situation there is no work, and the customer is demanding money, the economy is weak. Private banks should provide customers’ money.”
It has been two years since banks imposed restrictions on withdrawing funds and citizens of the country are once again criticizing the restrictions on banks.
“We could receive the money very easily and we could execute the contracts of our companies very easily; But for now, these limitations have created many problems for us,” said Tamim, another Kabul resident.
The Central Bank of Afghanistan meanwhile said that they are trying to provide facilities for those who have bank accounts.
A spokesman for the Afghanistan Bank, Hasibullah Noori, said, “Now, compared to the past, the amount of commercial bank customers’ loans has increased, which means that the restrictions have decreased, and in the same way, technical discussions with international institutions continue.” (ANI)
A member of Taliban stands guard at a security checkpoint in Kandahar city, Afghanistan, Sept. 11, 2021. (Photo by Sanaullah Seiam/Xinhua/IANS)
The instructors of the training centres that have been dissolved expressed their concerns and urged the Taliban to review its decision…reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban has shut down “Teacher Training Centers” in Afghanistan, TOLOnews reported.
The dissolution of “Teacher Training Centres” was confirmed by instructors who spoke with the Afghan news agency. In a letter published six days ago, the Ministry of Education (MoE) stated that instructors and staff from Teacher Training Centres would be hired to fill open positions in schools, Darul-Ulooms, and seminaries.
Notably, the centres were dissolved based on the decree outlined in the letter.
The instructors of the training centres that have been dissolved expressed their concerns and urged the Taliban to review its decision, TOLOnews reported.
“In a letter, a special guideline, unfortunately, an educational entity, an administration of the Ministry of Education, a backbone of the society, has been demolished,” said an instructor of Parwan Darul-Mualimeen, Hamid Ahmadzada.
More than 4,000 academics employed by Teacher Training Centres across the nation, according to the centres’ instructors, face an uncertain future.
In a separate statement, Zabiullah Hashimi, an instructor at the Teacher Training Center in Parwan said, “The Ministry of Education on one hand claims that the school teachers are not professionals and on the other hand, it separates 4,000 academic teachers from the education (sector).”
Criticising the Taliban’s move, Farhad Ibrar, a university instructor said, “It is not wise that thousands of instructors lose their jobs and also we will face a shortage of teachers in the future.” (ANI)
UN urged to probe abductions and killings by Pakistan's forces in Balochistan.(photo:IN)
Gulzar Imam’s capture is a big win for the Pakistani Establishment and will surely slow the engines of the Baloch nationalist struggle but not stop the Baloch freedom struggle in any manner, writes Mark Kinra
After months of speculation, Pakistan’s ISPR finally revealed that the head of the Baloch National Army (BNA) Gulzar Imam alias Shambay is in their custody. The news was broken on April 7, 2023, after nearly a year because according to Kiyya Baloch, a Baloch journalist living in exile, Imam had been arrested from Turkey in April 2022 and was extradited to Pakistan around Aug-Sep 2022.
There are several theories as to how he reached Turkey but the most popular one is that he was lured in the name of friendly agency and support. But his arrest has to led several questions among the Baloch people and caused ripple effects among nationalist organizations.
Was Baloch rebel leader Gulzar Imam trapped in Turkey and handed over to Pak ISI?.(photo:IN)
Who is Gulzar Imam?
Imam hails from the Panjgur district of Balochistan and joined the Baloch Student Organization (BSO) in 2002 and later joined BSO Azad which openly supports an armed freedom movement. In 2006, he was made the president of the Panjgur division of BSO Azad. Later Imam joined the Baloch Republican Army (BRA) which is alleged to be led by Brahmdagh Bugti. However, it is said that differences started developing between Bugti and Imam after which Imam was expelled from the BRA in 2018. Imam had a considerable following in the Makran region and formed his own group Baloch Republican Army (Gulzar Imam Group).
Several Baloch armed organisations – the Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), Balochistan Republican Guards (BRG) and Baloch Liberation Army (Bashir Zeb Group) formed an alliance in 2018 called Balochistan Raaji Ajoi Sangar (BRAS). Soon, Baloch Republican Army (Gulzar Imam Group) and in 2020 United Baloch Army (Sarfaraz Bangalzai Group) also joined BRAS. Both Baloch Liberation Army (Bashir Zeb Group) and United Baloch Army (Sarfaraz Bangalzai Group) were split from the group of the same name.
On 11 January 2022, UBA (Sarfaraz Bangalzai group) and BRA (Gulzar Imam group) got merged and formed a new group Baloch National Army (BNA). Head of BNA was Gulzar Imam. As their earlier groups were also part of BRAS, so BNA joining BRAS was a mere formality.
The Arrest of Gulzar Imam and its Aftermath
On 24 May 2023, almost after a year in Pakistan’s custody, Imam was presented in front of the media in Quetta where he urged Baloch freedom fighters to surrender and fight for the rights of Baloch through in a constitutional manner. However, Baloch circles are not convinced that these were Imam’s thoughts, considering the kind of physical and mental torture Imam had to go through in Pakistan’s custody.
Recently, on 14 June 2023, Imam gave an interview to Pakistani journalist Kamran Shahid where Shahid tried to pin Imam and BNA’s ties to India but Imam refuted that neither he nor his organization were ever supported by India. Shahid also tried to drive a wedge between Baloch by bringing in the question that Sardars such as Bugti and others are responsible for the violence in Balochistan while living a privileged life abroad.
A clip went viral in Baloch circles where the BNA alleged that BNM ex-chairman Khalil Baloch is to be blamed for the arrest of Gulzar Imam and that he was blackmailed into doing this. BNA has alleged that other groups want to take over the nationalist struggle and divide their organization. Khalil has refused these allegations and has raised objections as to how Imam was able to inform his comrades of these alleged conspiracies while being in Pakistani custody. While all these doubts have created confusion and chaos among Baloch nationalists, it led BNA spokesperson Mureed Baloch to announce the separation of BNA from BRAS.
Consequences for the Baloch National Struggle
Imam’s capture is a big win for the Pakistani Establishment and will surely slow the engines of the Baloch nationalist struggle but not stop the Baloch freedom struggle in any manner. There are ample examples from Baloch history to demonstrate that – right from the time when Pakistan occupied Balochistan on March 27, 1948, Prince Agha Abdul Karim Baloch revolted and started the first phase of insurgency. When Gen. Pervez Musharraf killed Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti he thought it would put to end Baloch nationalism, however, it oxygenated Baloch nationalism instead and gave rise to new organisations with young blood – like Aslam Achu, Dr Allah Nazar, Bashi Zeb Baloch etc taking on the Pakistani Establishment.
When BLA head Aslam Achu was killed in Kandahar, it was said that the BLA which was the most lethal organisation, would be slowed down, but in turn, it became even more dangerous with Bashir Zeb taking over and doing extensive operations through the suicide bombers of the Majeed Brigade.
This time the Pakistani Establishment tried to play around with the psyche of the Baloch by capturing Imam and bringing out him in front of the world, forcing him to give interviews. During the interview with Kamran Shahid, Imam called upon Pakistan to declare amnesty for Baloch freedom fighters who are willing to give up the nationalist struggle. While it doesn’t seem that Imam is all serious for numerous reasons including threats to his family members. It is possible he is playing around with his captors by camouflaging his thoughts and speaking the minds of his captors to survive. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if in future Imam joins Baloch politics or even start a political party.
Despite Imam appeal to the Pakistani Establishment for giving an amnesty to the captured Baloch fighters, Pakistan would have released a statement for amnesty or began addressing grievances of the Baloch community, but on the contrary, the Pakistani Army on 20 June 2023 conducted a military operation in Zarghun, Hanna Urak and surrounding areas of Quetta – the capital of Balochistan.
The army continues to detain and abduct people daily which clearly proves that Pakistan is not interested in finding a solution to its most serious challenge – the Baloch conflict. Moreover, Imam was presented to the world in May 2023 just when Imran Khan’s Pakitan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) caused much mayhem in Pakistan and brought down the military to its knees. Pakistan tried to show that the rule of law is prevalent in Pakistan – a narrative that is fooling nobody.
Baloch nationalists understand well the modus operandi of the Pakistani Establishment, and continue to attack army personnel and installations consistently. After Imam’s media appearance, the BLA within a week carried out six separate attacks in Balochistan, while BLF and BRG claimed one attack each. Even after Imam’s capture interview, the Baloch nationalist struggle has in no way been diluted as the people remain ideologically motivated for an independent nation and in no mood to forgive Pakistan for its duplicity over the last 75 years.
(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com)
The permanent representative of Afghanistan in Geneva has warned that the victims of the forceful displacements will remain without any help or protection…reports Asian Lite News
The envoy of the Afghan Mission in Geneva highlighted the misrule of the Taliban and warned that forceful displacement by the de facto authorities of Afghanistan can lead to human trafficking in the country, reported Khaama Press.
Counsellor of Human Rights at the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan in Geneva Mohibullah Taib said that the Taliban had been forcefully displacing ordinary people in different parts of the country, which can lead to human trafficking in the country. While speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Taib said that forceful and systematic displacements in North and West Afghanistan have left ordinary people with no option but to flee their home country, according to Khaama Press.
The permanent representative of Afghanistan in Geneva has warned that the victims of the forceful displacements will remain without any help or protection.
Taliban officials have closed shelters and protection services for victims of human trafficking. Adding to that, Taib said that extra measures should be taken to protect the displaced people in different parts of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.
In the last two years, according to some reports, the Taliban have forcefully displaced people in Daikundi, Takhar, Baghlan, Faryab, Panjshir and Sar-e Pul provinces of Afghanistan.
Moreover, the Taliban have reached a settlement with the Pakistani government to relocate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistani (TTP) members to northern parts of the country. This action has already provoked widespread condemnations by the people of Afghanistan and former government politicians.
Furthermore, some of the Taliban groups and movements have explained that relocating TTP members to Northern parts of Afghanistan as extremely dangerous, which can further lead to civil war and partition of the country, according to Khaama Press. (ANI)
Some women journalists in Afghanistan have said that they are occasionally banned from attending press conferences held by the Taliban…reports Asian Lite News
Journalists in Afghanistan have complained over the lack of access to information, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported, adding that the journalists have said the Taliban’s spokespersons do not give them information on time.
Toba, a journalist, said, “When we want to contact the spokesperson, they first do not answer and if they answer they say that they are not aware about it. Thus, they don’t provide information,” according to TOLO News. Samiha, another journalist, said journalists in Afghanistan face “serious problems” when they don’t have access to information to share it with people. The statement of journalists comes after the head of the Afghanistan National Journalists Union (ANJU) Masroor Lutfi spoke about the challenges faced by journalists seeking access to information.
“If there is no serious attention paid to this, providing information to the people will be face serious problems,” he said, as per TOLO News. However, Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture said that they are committed to providing information to journalists.
Mahajar Farahi, deputy minister for Publication of the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture, said all the institutions and spokespersons are committed to providing information on time and in case, there is any issue, the journalists can contact Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture, TOLO News reported.
Earlier, the Taliban-led Ministry of Information and Culture said the mass media law and issue of access to information have been sent to Taliban leadership for approval.
Earlier, in June, some women journalists in Afghanistan have said that they are occasionally banned from attending press conferences held by the Taliban, TOLO News reported.TOLO News is an Afghan news channel broadcasting from Kabul.
The journalists criticised what they consider gender discrimination against women journalists. Nilab Noori, a journalist, said: “Sadly, we were kicked out of the press conferences in which we participated. I ask the government to join hands and give women a share so that they can work alongside their brothers,” according to TOLO News report.
Fatana Bayat, another journalist said, “There were some problems in this regard, when they wanted to make a report from some exhibitions, they were not being allowed.”
Some media-supporting groups have expressed concern over the matter and claimed that restricting the employment of women journalists may result in a gap in the information supply.
Head of the Committee for the Safety of Afghan Journalists, Abdul Qadim Viyar, said: “It’s not a good way for press freedom and access to information, and this in itself is a form of restriction, and there shouldn’t be discrimination in the work of providing information.”
Meanwhile, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has claimed there are no barriers preventing women journalists from working in the media. HE noted that the media has been sent to Taliban leader for approval.
As per TOLO News report, Zabihullah Mujahid said, “The media law, which has been sent to the leadership and is currently yet to be approved, does not contain such a thing. We do not have any restrictions in this regard, but of course, Islamic laws, Islamic values, the hijab for women, and also protecting the high interests of the country are mentioned in it, which we are all obliged to comply with. (ANI)
Anas Haqqani officially endorsed Twitter over Meta’s Threads that has crossed 100 million users within a week of its launch…reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban has come out in support of Elon Musk-run Twitter over Mark Zuckerberg-run Threads on Instagram, saying other platforms cannot replace the original micro-blogging platform.
Anas Haqqani, a Taliban thought-leader with family connections to the leadership, officially endorsed Twitter over Meta’s Threads that has crossed 100 million users within a week of its launch.
“Twitter has two important advantages over other social media platforms. The first privilege is the freedom of speech. The second privilege is the public nature and credibility of Twitter,” Haqqani posted.
He said that Twitter doesn’t have an intolerant policy like Meta.
“Other platforms cannot replace it,” added the senior member of the Taliban.
A Twitter user posted: “What has it come to, even Taliban endorsing Twitter”.
According to reports, while Twitter has fallen out of favour with several prominent people, celebrities and advertising brands since Musk took over in October last year and made drastic changes, the Taliban seems to love it.
Two Taliban officials even bought blue verification check marks after Musk started selling them in January this year for $8 a month, reports Vice.
The Taliban is very aggressive about using social media platforms to push its message across to its audience.
However, “Facebook and TikTok both view the Taliban as a terrorist organisation and disallow them from posting. It’s a ban that persists to this day”, the report mentioned.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy (MoE) said that the imposed sanctions by the international community are affecting the life of the people of Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News
The Taliban has called on the international community to remove sanctions to facilitate engagement with global organisations, Tolo News reported.
After the Taliban took over Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the Afghan assets in foreign reserves were frozen. The UN Security Council in August 2022, failed to reach an agreement on whether to extend travel exemptions for 13 Taliban officials.
According to Tolo News findings, more than USD 9 billion in assets were frozen by the US and European countries, restrictions were placed on the banking system and transferring money abroad, and travel bans were placed on 15 Taliban officials.
Taliban spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said that restrictions on travelling do not benefit any side.
He said, “About 14 to 15 officials have issues with travelling. It (travel ban) existed previously but it has been extended. This doesn’t benefit any side as the travels of the leaders are necessary for engagement with the world and development of Afghanistan.”
The Taliban’s Ministry of Economy (MoE) said that the imposed sanctions by the international community are affecting the life of the people of Afghanistan.
“The imposition of pressure policy and sanctions by some of the countries has affected our countrymen,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, Taliban deputy Minister of Economy.
But political analysts gave various opinions about the sanctions on the Islamic Emirate’s leaders.
“If the Taliban wants, they can bring reform as an independent government and accept the conditions to get out of the blacklist and travel bans,” said Aziz Maarij, a political analyst.
“The Afghan currency is in a good position due to the strategic deposits of Afghanistan’s assets which guarantee the international value of the Afghan currency, although it is frozen,” said Azeraksh Hafizi, an economist, according to Tolo News.
Will Norway host Taliban for talks as West looks to re-engage with Afghanistan?.(photo:IN)
Afghan envoy on Taliban’s misrule
The envoy of the Afghan Mission in Geneva highlighted the misrule of the Taliban and warned that forceful displacement by the de facto authorities of Afghanistan can lead to human trafficking in the country, reported Khaama Press.
Counsellor of Human Rights at the Permanent Mission of Afghanistan in Geneva Mohibullah Taib said that the Taliban had been forcefully displacing ordinary people in different parts of the country, which can lead to human trafficking in the country. While speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Taib said that forceful and systematic displacements in North and West Afghanistan have left ordinary people with no option but to flee their home country, according to Khaama Press.
The permanent representative of Afghanistan in Geneva has warned that the victims of the forceful displacements will remain without any help or protection.
Taliban officials have closed shelters and protection services for victims of human trafficking. Adding to that, Taib said that extra measures should be taken to protect the displaced people in different parts of Afghanistan, Khaama Press reported.
In the last two years, according to some reports, the Taliban have forcefully displaced people in Daikundi, Takhar, Baghlan, Faryab, Panjshir and Sar-e Pul provinces of Afghanistan.
Moreover, the Taliban have reached a settlement with the Pakistani government to relocate Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistani (TTP) members to northern parts of the country. This action has already provoked widespread condemnations by the people of Afghanistan and former government politicians.
Furthermore, some of the Taliban groups and movements have explained that relocating TTP members to Northern parts of Afghanistan as extremely dangerous, which can further lead to civil war and partition of the country, according to Khaama Press. (ANI)
The war-torn country has been facing poverty and economic hardships since the withdrawal of foreign forces…reports Asian lite News
Afghanistan acting Foreign Affairs Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi has downplayed the reports on the economic crisis, saying the economy of the country has been moving on the right track, state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Sunday.
According to the state-controlled media outlet, Muttaqi made the remarks in a meeting with elders and ranking officials who returned home from Saudi Arabia after performing Hajj rituals, Xinhua news agency reported.
The war-torn country has been facing poverty and economic hardships since the withdrawal of foreign forces and the induction of the caretaker government nearly two years ago as the US froze more than 9 billion dollars of assets of Afghanistan’s central bank.
Financial support to the country has drastically dropped and the banking system has been derailed due to US-imposed sanctions, which eventually worsened the economic situation of the already bankrupt nation.
More than 28 million or two-thirds of country’s population, according to aid agencies’ reports, have been suffering from food insecurity.
The Taliban authorities assured their Uzbekistan counterparts that they will not permit insurgent groups to use Afghan soil against Uzbekistan…reports Asian Lite News
A delegate from the Ministry of Border and Tribal Affairs of Afghanistan travelled to Uzbekistan to discuss border security issues with the authorities of the neighbouring central Asian country, according to Khaama Press.
Taliban’s Ministry of Border and Tribal Affairs in a statement said that border issues were thoroughly discussed between the two sides on July 8. Moreover, Mawlavi Ghulam Nabi Sameem, the head of the border and tribal affairs department of the Taliban for northern Jawzjan province spoke about the challenges faced by local residents along the border.
The Taliban authorities assured their Uzbekistan counterparts that they will not permit insurgent groups to use Afghan soil against Uzbekistan, reported Khaama Press.
However, the Taliban officials did not provide any further details on what they meant by “border issues.” Notably, in the past two years, several rockets were launched to Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has continuously warned that thousands of ISIS fighters are positioned in Afghanistan’s northern borders which can strike severe threats to the security of Central Asian states, as per Khaama Press.
Contrarily, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities have denied such claims and termed them as propaganda and baseless allegations aimed at destroying Afghanistan’s relations with its neighbours.
Prisoners freed from Pak jail
At least 26 Afghan detainees were released from Pakistan’s jail in Quetta and returned to Afghanistan, the Taliban announced, Khaama Press reported.
The Department of Refugees and Repatriation of Afghanistan said that these Afghan nationals were detained after failing to provide legal residence permits. The detainees were returned to the country through the Spin Boldak crossing point after being released. At least 556 Afghan refugees were deported to Afghanistan via the Spin Boldak border from July 4 to 6, according to the statistics released by the Taliban.
According to the Taliban’s border security command in the Spin Boldak area of southern Kandahar province, 83 families including 537 individuals and 19 single people returned to the country from Pakistan.
The ministry said the returnees were referred to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to receive the required aid after registration, according to Khaama Press.
The source added that Salamat Network provided free treatment for some returnees who suffered from different diseases.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Refugee Council provided food packages to the returnees, the statement said.
After the recent regime change in Afghanistan, thousands of Afghans migrated to the neighboring countries including Iran and Pakistan fearing death threats and persecution by the Taliban’s de facto authorities.
Last month, on June 25, a total of 230 Afghan migrant families from Pakistan returned to Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.
The refugee department said that each family received drinking water, biscuits, and the return fare and expenditure from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) office, Khaama Press reported.
The Taliban-led Nimruz province’s Directorate of Immigrants and Returnees Affairs said that 64,115 Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan through the Nimruz crossing in May. Afghan migrants returned after Amnesty International received recent complaints from Afghan refugees alleging harassment by Pakistani police, the report said.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Islamabad called on the Pakistan government to stop arresting and expelling refugees after the arbitrary detention of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Khaama Press reported. (ANI)
