Migrants who were forcibly returned from Pakistan are now calling on the Islamic Emirate to keep its promise of providing land for their settlement. Many of these individuals arrived in Afghanistan with nothing, having lost all their possessions during their return. They urgently need support from aid organizations to help them rebuild their lives. Salamuddin, one of the deported migrants, explained that while the government promised to provide land, they are still living in other people’s homes.
Azad Khan, another migrant, shared that their biggest issue is finding proper shelter. Despite receiving some help, they had to spend the winter under tents in Jawzjan province, facing harsh conditions without adequate support. This has highlighted the dire need for permanent housing solutions for those who have returned.
Zarif Khan, who lived in Pakistan for 45 years, said that life there had become increasingly difficult before their return to Afghanistan. Now, without land or proper shelter, Zarif and others are appealing to the government for urgent assistance. They are asking for help to secure land and basic housing to provide stability for their families.
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation is waiting for a decree from the leader of the Islamic Emirate to begin the process of land distribution. The ministry has been working with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing to prepare settlements in nearly 30 provinces. However, this work is still in progress and has not yet been completed.
Abdul Mutalib Haqqani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, stated that the settlements are currently being developed with essential facilities such as clinics and schools. The delay in land distribution is partly due to the seizure of land by powerful individuals. The ministry is working to reclaim these lands to ensure that they are used for the intended purpose of settling the returned migrants.
Overall, the situation remains challenging for the deported migrants, who are in urgent need of stable housing and support. The delay in fulfilling the government’s promise of land distribution is adding to their difficulties, and they continue to call for swift action to address their needs.