Iran, Pakistan Deport Over 5000 Afghans On World Refugee Day

More than 5000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan within 24 hours, coinciding with World Refugee Day, the Taliban announced on Friday.

According to the commission, a total of 5412 Afghan nationals were returned; 4,440 from Iran and 972 from Pakistan. The returnees re-entered Afghanistan through the Pul-e-Abrisham, Islam Qala, Angoor Ada, Spin Boldak, and Torkham border crossings.

The announcement has sparked fresh concern from international human rights groups. On World Refugee Day, several organisations criticised the ongoing deportations and urged both countries to halt the forced return of Afghan nationals.

Amnesty International called on the Pakistani government to immediately stop deportations and to extend the residency permits of Afghan refugees. The organisation warned that many returnees face the risk of human rights violations, including harassment and persecution by the Taliban upon their return to Afghanistan.