Afghan Embassy Delegation Reviews Refugee Repatriation Process in Peshawar and Torkham
A delegation from the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad, comprising officials from the trade, refugee, education sections and the refugee attaché in Peshawar, closely examined the process of Afghan refugee return in Peshawar and surrounding areas. The delegation visited return centers, listened to refugee concerns, and held discussions with local officials and representatives of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The delegation’s first visit was to the Adzakhel return center, where refugees voiced challenges related to registration, transportation, and basic services. In a joint meeting with center officials and UNHCR representatives, they discussed ways to address these issues. The embassy also distributed ready meals to a number of refugees.
The delegation then proceeded to the Torkham border crossing along the Durand Line to observe biometric registration processes for refugees. Overcrowding and delays in some administrative stages were among the issues scrutinized. The delegation engaged local authorities and called for immediate resolution of existing problems.
Following this, the Hamza Baba return center in Lwara Gai was visited. Various sections of the center were inspected and concerns were shared with responsible officials. Cash assistance was also distributed to vulnerable groups, including impoverished individuals, disabled persons, and women without guardians.
During their return journey, the delegation encountered vehicles carrying stranded refugees at the Bigyari checkpoint on the Torkham route. Their difficulties were heard and shared with relevant agencies, and ready meals were provided to the stranded refugees.
This comes amid widespread returns of Afghan refugees from Pakistan in recent months, which have raised serious concerns. Many returnees complain about lack of facilities inside Afghanistan — a responsibility that falls directly on the Taliban administration to effectively provide accommodation, basic services, and livelihood opportunities.
At the end of the visit, the embassy delegation met with Shaquil Safi, the Afghan Commissioner in Hayatabad, stressing the urgent need for coordinated and immediate attention to the difficulties faced in the repatriation process.
