Agriculture Minister Criticizes Host Countries Over Forced Returns

Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Ataullah Omari, says that so far 4.5 million Afghans have been forcibly returned from neighboring countries and that they have been assisted in an organized manner.

Speaking during the distribution of aid to returnees in Nangarhar, Omari said neighboring countries began the forced deportation of Afghans about a year ago, after hosting them for nearly four decades.

Ataullah Omari said: “So far, 4.5 million Afghan refugees have been returned to their country, which is almost equal to the population of a small country. No major problems have occurred, and returnees have been assisted in all sectors.”

Omari also criticized neighboring countries, saying Afghan refugees should have been allowed to return voluntarily.

He added: “About a year ago, neighboring countries decided to expel Afghan refugees from their soil. That was their decision, but people whom you hosted for 40 or 45 years should have been sent off with dignity. Even when a guest stays in someone’s home for just one or two nights, they are seen off respectfully, not through force and hardship. Unfortunately, Afghan refugees were not treated well by host countries.”

Recently returned Afghans from Pakistan also recalled the hardships they faced during their time as refugees there.

Mohammad Naqeeb, who was deported from Pakistan, said: “We thank the Islamic Emirate for helping us, but permanent job opportunities should also be provided.”

Another returnee from Pakistan, Wasil Khan, said: “I sold all my household belongings at half price. We were deported with very poor treatment, and now we ask the Islamic Emirate to provide us with continued support so we can rebuild our lives.”

Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate has launched a program to provide cash and food assistance to 70,000 returning families nationwide. Of these, assistance is currently being delivered to more than 50,000 families in 34 provinces by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.