More than 500,000 Afghan refugees have returned to the country within the past six months, the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MRR) said on Thursday.
Also, the deputy Minister of MRR who visited Torkham crossing on Thursday told reporters that diplomatic efforts are underway to facilitate the release of Afghans being held abroad.
“Almost 550,000 people are registered with us, but the number could be higher as some of them might have not been registered,” he said.
The visit comes following repeated complaints of citizens about problems at the Torkham crossing.
This comes as the cabinet of the Islamic Emirate during its sixth session discussed the challenges at the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings.
“We have called for lawyers and for the release of (Afghan) inmates everywhere, as well as for their human rights to be upheld,” said Mohammad Arsalah Kharotai, deputy Minister of MRR.
The Afghans who are seeking medical treatment abroad complained that they are facing severe problems at the Torkham crossing.
“There are a lot of problems. They must confront the Pakistan government that it has pledged to allow 100 people to cross, but now even 20 people can’t cross,” said Bakht Khan, who was taking his patients to Pakistan for treatment.
The cabinet of the Islamic Emirate also discussed the challenges that face Afghan traders at the Spin Boldak and Torkham crossings.
“To ensure discipline and to resolve the health issues and other problems at the Torkham port in Nangarhar and Spin Boldak port in Kandahar, the relevant ministries were instructed to properly activate the departments and appoint sufficient and professional staff to address the problems of the people,” the Islamic Emirate said in a statement.
