Pakistan releases 460 Afghan detainees to the Islamic Emirate authorities at the Torkham border crossing over the past week, according to officials in Nangarhar province. The group, which includes women and children, had been detained in Pakistan for periods ranging from days to years, with some possessing legal residency documents. The reasons for their detention remain unclear, but many were held for alleged immigration violations.
Details of Pakistan Releases 460 Afghan Detainees
The transfers, reported on July 28, 2025, reflect ongoing tensions in Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, particularly around migration policies. Bakht Jamal Gohar, head of Torkham’s immigration department, noted that the process has been coordinated with Afghan authorities. Human rights groups have called for transparent procedures and better conditions for migrants, citing concerns over reported mistreatment during detentions.
This follows earlier releases, including 122 Afghan prisoners on July 23 and 32 on July 25, signaling a pattern of deportations. The situation underscores the challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan, many of whom fled conflict or persecution. The Islamic Emirate has urged Pakistan to address the concerns of these returnees, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and clarity on legal statuses.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 29th, 2025
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