KABUL: A total of 50 Afghan inmates have been released from detention in Pakistan and have returned to Afghanistan, according to a statement by the Ministry for Refugees and Repatriation on Thursday. The release marks a significant step in addressing the issue of Afghan nationals detained in foreign countries.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the detainees were repatriated to Afghanistan on Wednesday, utilizing the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar and the Spin Boldak border crossing in the southern Kandahar province. The ministry’s statement underscores the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Afghan citizens held overseas.
In October of the previous year, the ministry noted that 35 Afghan detainees had similarly been released from Pakistani jails and returned to their homeland. The situation highlights the broader challenge faced by Afghanistan in managing its citizens detained abroad.
Data from Afghanistan’s prison administration, as reported in September last year, indicates that between 8,000 to 9,000 Afghan citizens are currently imprisoned in foreign nations, with the majority being held in Iran and Pakistan. The efforts to repatriate these individuals continue as part of a larger initiative to address the plight of Afghan detainees globally.