Cold Weather and Rainfall Deepen Woes for Afghan Returnees from Pakistan in Temporary Camps
Recent rainfall and cold weather have severely worsened the living conditions of Afghan returnees from Pakistan residing in temporary camps. Many of these families complain about inadequate shelter, lack of basic services, and food insecurity, stating that the current situation does not meet their fundamental needs.
Mohammadi Gul, who returned to the country after 45 years of migration, says that despite the joy of coming back to his homeland, economic hardships have soured the sweetness of this return. Living with his family in a temporary camp, he adds that the lack of jobs and basic facilities has cast uncertainty over their future.
Mohammad Gul, another returnee, states that continuing life under these conditions is impossible without job opportunities. He points out that there is neither a school for children nor employment opportunities for adults in their current location, a situation that has doubled the families’ worries.
Abdul Razzaq, another returnee from Pakistan, told the media that they are ready to work in any field, but no job opportunities are available. He emphasizes that while he was engaged in trade and various jobs in Pakistan, similar facilities do not exist inside the country now.
Several other returnees demand that the Taliban administration provide them with permanent shelter and guarantee access to essential life services. Naqiruddin, one of these individuals, says they currently lack even proper shelter and are in urgent need of food and humanitarian aid.
Migrant rights activists warn that as winter intensifies, the risk of a worsening humanitarian crisis increases. They stress the need for immediate and sustained assistance, especially in creating employment opportunities and constructing housing, to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
Nazar Mohammad Nazari, a migrant rights activist, says supporting returnees through shelter construction and humanitarian aid is crucial. He adds that leaving these families in temporary camps without a clear plan reflects poor management and disregard for their human dignity.
Earlier, a representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan told Al Jazeera that while the country has the capacity to manage returnees, there are serious challenges in their absorption and reintegration — challenges that remain as the current situation persists.
