8,000 families return to Balkh from Iran, Pakistan in 4 months

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): As many as 8,000 families have returned to northern Balkh province from Iran and Pakistan over the last four months, an official said on Wednesday.

Refugee and Repatriation Director Asadullah Wafa told Pajhwok Afghan News that these families have resettled in Mazar-i-Sharif, the provincial capital, and various districts.

In addition to these returnees, he noted that around 30,000 families have been displaced during the past 20 years due to war and insecurity in nine northern and northeastern provinces. These displaced families are currently living in 15 camps across Balkh province.

Wafa assured that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has been making efforts to assist these families and is actively working to relocate them back to their original homes.

However, many displaced families complain about lack of access to basic amenities of life and have called on the government for urgent assistance.

Ahmadullah, one of the returnees who had previously traveled to Iran for work, said he was forcibly deported by Iranian police and was now struggling with poverty and unemployment.

“Families like mine are deprived of education and essential living facilities,” Ahmadullah said, urging the government to address their challenges.

Another returnee, Azizullah, highlighted that returning families lack access to electricity, healthcare services, schools, and clean drinking water.

Previously, some displaced families had said if the government supported them and helped rebuild their homes, they would be willing to return to their original areas.

kk/ma