The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported an increase in the activities of aid organizations at the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings to assist migrants expelled from Pakistan. 

In its latest report, the agency wrote that 88% of the expelled migrants want to return to their main cities in the provinces of Nangarhar, Kandahar, Kunar, Kabul, and Kunduz.

Qutbuddin Yaqoobi, an economic affairs expert, said: “In addition to immediate aid, job opportunities must also be created for migrants so that they can continue their lives properly and sustainably.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations announced discussions between the deputy of the ministry and Junaid Wazir, the deputy ambassador of Pakistan in Kabul, regarding the resolution of challenges facing Afghan migrants in Pakistan and their gradual return.

Abdul Mutleb Haqqani, the spokesperson for the ministry, said: “The deputy of the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations has requested the Deputy Ambassador of Pakistan to consider that the issue of migrants, which is a bilateral matter, is neither beneficial for Pakistan nor for Afghanistan if decided unilaterally. Therefore, a joint mechanism should be established to resolve this challenge.”

In the meantime, the Ministry of Economy stated that the aid from humanitarian organizations, along with the cooperation of the Islamic Emirate for migrants, is effective. 

Abdul Latif Nazari, the professional deputy of the Ministry of Economy, said: “The aid from the United Nations and other relief organizations to our migrants returning to the homeland, along with the assistance of the Islamic Emirate, is effective, and we welcome this aid.”

The expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran is a controversial issue that has engaged the Islamic Emirate and humanitarian organizations for months.

Expelled migrants from Pakistan and Iran have consistently complained about economic challenges and have requested assistance and shelter.

Zakia, a migrant expelled from Iran, said: “Our situation is dire; we want them to give us a house, to help us. Any help will do.”

According to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, since the beginning of the expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan, 92,286 families, which amounts to approximately 535,000 individuals, have returned to the country.