450 returnee families in Baghlan get new houses

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): More than 16,000 families have returned to northern Baghlan province from neighbouring countries over the past three years and only 450 of these families have been provided with newly built homes.

Mohammad Ibrahim Omari, the Director of Refugee and Repatriation, told Pajhwok Afghan News that a total of 16,232 families returned from Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey during this period, and various organizations have constructed homes for 450 of them.

In the current solar year alone, 5,691 families have returned from Iran and Pakistan, he said.

Omari explained, "Returnees have received various forms of assistance, including the construction of 147 houses this year. In addition, they have been provided with cash and food aid. Two schools have been established for them in the Khanjarabad area and Solah Township in Baghlan-i-Markazi district."

He added that reconstruction work is ongoing at two additional school buildings, and efforts are underway to allocate more land and build more houses for returning families in partnership with other organizations.

Despite these efforts, newly returned families have expressed concerns and urged the caretaker government for further support.

Mohibullah, a returnee from Iran, shared his plight: "I don’t have my own house and am currently living in a rented one. There is no work, and I am unemployed. I urge the government to help me with both housing and job opportunities, as well as education for my children."

Similarly, Ziaullah, another returnee from Iran, said: "I have neither land nor a house. The Islamic Emirate should provide me with shelter. I am disabled and have children, but so far, I have not received any assistance."

kk/sa