Taliban Officials Hold Northwest Coordination Meeting Focused on Returning Refugees
The Taliban leadership in Balkh province, headed by Mullah Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, held a coordination meeting with officials from northwest Afghanistan to assess the situation of returning refugees and discuss strategies for improvement.
According to the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, the discussions centered around creating facilities for returnees, securing border areas, and implementing directives from Taliban leadership. One proposal included the formation of a 1,000-member unit to be stationed at the borders.
In his speech, Mullah Yousuf Wafa praised what he called the ‘strengthening of the Islamic system’ under Taliban rule and thanked the officials of Samangan province for hosting the meeting. He also highlighted plans to establish a joint committee to address public concerns and to launch a special hotline for complaints.
The meeting comes amid a large influx of Afghan refugees returning from neighboring countries, increasing pressure on livelihoods and public services in border regions. However, efforts by Taliban-affiliated agencies have so far fallen short in meeting the basic needs of these citizens.
Other regional governors and local officials also shared their views and suggestions during the meeting. Yet, no concrete outcomes have been announced, and many challenges faced by returnees and local residents remain unresolved.
