Over 42,000 free SIM cards distributed to returnees

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) officials in the eastern zone say they have distributed more than 42,000 SIM cards free of charge to Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan.

Mobile telecom antennas have also been installed by telecommunication companies at Torkham crossing in eastern Nangarhar province in order to facilitate the returnees.

Rahimullah Shinwari, ATRA head in eastern zone, told Pajhwok Afghan News when Afghan refugees started arriving and a temporary camp was established for them, telecom facilities were also provided to them in cooperation with five telecom companies.

He said these services included installation of mobile or temporary communication antennas, service quality improvement and free distribution of SIM cards by all telecommunication companies.

He added during this period, 42,423 SIM cards were registered and distributed to the returnees free of charge by five companies.

“SIM cards are given to refugees based on forms given by the Ministry of Refugee and Repatriation (MoRR), after completion of registration and biometrics, three SIM cards are given on one family form.” he explained.

On the other hand, the refugees who returned to the country via Torkhan are happy with these services.

Abdul Wasi, who recently returned from Pakistan, said he was concerned about how he would contact relatives because he had no Afghan SIM card.

In Torkham, a high commission comprising 12 working committees has been formed to solve problems of the returning refugees.

About 50,000 families have returned to the country from Pakistan through Torkham crossing so far.

kk/ma

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