Afghan Returnees Report Delays, Abuse Across Hypothetical Durand Line

Afghans returning from Pakistan at Torkham say they faced numerous problems due to delays in processing at camps across the Hypothetical Durand Line, adding that some of their family members are still stranded there.

They also criticize the recent mistreatment of Afghan migrants by Pakistani police.

Chinar Gul, who returned after 40 years of living as a refugee, said Pakistani police destroyed his home, forcing him to return to Afghanistan without preparation.

He told : “The camps across the Hypothetical Durand Line were full of dust and dirt; there was not even food or drinking water. Some people spent up to 20 nights there, and if a family was well off, they would help poorer migrants.”

Hayatullah, recently deported from Pakistan, said: “Our household belongings, loaded on vehicles, are still stuck there because they are asking for money.”

Some other returnees say that, in addition to a shortage of staff, those who pay money can complete their processes faster.

According to them, turns in the camps are often given in exchange for money, and those families are considered fortunate who can afford to complete their procedures quickly.

Subhanullah, another returnee, said: “Pakistan should release Afghans from prisons so they can return home. They would not stay there even for five minutes. Pakistani police took 40,000 rupees in cash and a mobile phone worth 45,000 rupees from me and beat me badly, and I still have pain in my leg.”

Another returnee, Awal Gul, said: “Those who paid money got their work done, but poor people like me, who have no money, are left waiting. My vehicle is still stuck there.”

Meanwhile, officials at the Omari temporary camp in Torkham say Pakistan has forced back families in such a way that some members remain across the Hypothetical Durand Line while others have returned, causing serious concern among migrants.

They add that they have contacted the Pakistani side to resolve the issue, but no solution has been reached so far.

Mohammad Hashim Miwandwal, head of the Omari temporary camp at Torkham, said: “Through the Torkham commissioner’s office, we contacted the Pakistani side. They promised to send detainees and family members along with their vehicles, but unfortunately no practical action has been taken so far.”

This comes as Pakistan has forcibly returned 606 Afghan families, totaling 4,012 individuals, through Torkham in the past 24 hours.