More Than 500 Afghan Migrants Freed From Prisons in Pakistan and Iraq

More Than 500 Afghan Migrants Freed From Prisons in Pakistan and Iraq
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More than 500 Afghan migrants have been released from detention facilities in Pakistan and Iraq, Afghan authorities announced, Khaama Press reported. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said in a statement on Thursday that 517 Afghans were freed from Pakistani custody and returned through the Spin Boldak crossing in Kandahar province.

Officials said an additional 48 Afghans were released from prisons in Iraq after spending over six months in detention there, while those held in Pakistan had been jailed for approximately two months. The ministry confirmed that initial assistance was provided to returnees as they arrived back in Afghanistan, though no further details were shared.

The releases come as Pakistan continues its broad deportation campaign against undocumented Afghans, a policy that humanitarian organizations warn has overwhelmed border points and exacerbated the vulnerability of returning families. Rights groups have also raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions Afghan refugees face, citing fears of persecution, unstable living situations, and limited access to support upon their return.

Analysts say the latest developments highlight the increasingly fragile circumstances confronting Afghan migrants across the region, many of whom are navigating restrictive border policies and shrinking avenues for legal protection.