Taliban-led Afghan govt allocates land for deported refugees

KABUL, Afghanistan (MNTV) — The Taliban-led Afghan government has allocated 7,000 acres of state-owned land in northern Jawzjan province to resettle Afghans deported from Iran and Pakistan, officials announced.

According to TOLOnews, the decision follows a directive from the Taliban’s supreme leader, and efforts are underway in coordination with aid organizations to support returnees.

Jawzjan Governor Gul Haidar Shafaq confirmed that land distribution would begin soon. “The Amir al-Mu’minin issued the directive, and the land will be distributed. We have identified 5,000 acres in one area and nearly 2,000 additional acres elsewhere for the deportees,” he said.

Many Afghans expelled from neighboring countries are now struggling to rebuild their lives. Sher Mohammad, 64, who lived in Pakistan for 30 years before being forcibly deported, said he urgently needs shelter and employment. “They should give us land and homes and create job opportunities for us,” he said.

Mohebullah, another returnee from Iran, expressed similar concerns. “We were deported from Iran and came to Jawzjan. We would be very happy if they could help us with house rent as well,” he said.

Meanwhile, a foreign aid organization recently provided cash assistance to 940 families of deported migrants in Jawzjan. Amanullah Talha, head of the province’s refugee affairs department, said each family received 42,760 Afghanis ($600) from the Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH) organization.

The Department of Refugees and Repatriates in Jawzjan estimates that more than 4,000 families who returned from Pakistan since last year are now residing in the province.