Sheikh Hasina Sentenced To Death By Dhaka Tribunal For 'Crimes Against Humanity'

Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT–BD) has sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death after finding her guilty on three counts of crimes against humanity linked to the 2024 student-led uprising that toppled her Awami League government.

The verdict, delivered by a three-member bench headed by Justice Mohd Golam Mortuza Majumder, comes after a months-long trial marked by controversy and political tension. The tribunal also convicted her former Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, while extending a pardon to ex-police chief Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun, who turned state witness.

According to the judgement, Sheikh Hasina and Kamal “acted in connivance” to suppress student protests through state violence. The tribunal concluded that their actions — including the alleged use of drones, helicopters, and live ammunition against demonstrators — constituted crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi and international law.

The court observed that Hasina’s remarks branding the protesting students as “Razakars”, a historically pejorative term, triggered widespread anger and intensified the violence. Instead of responding to legitimate student demands, the tribunal said, Hasina ordered the “elimination of protesting students”, resulting in hundreds of deaths across the country.

Witnesses testified that Awami League-affiliated groups such as the Chhatra League and Yuva League aided security forces in targeting protesters, particularly around Dhaka University. According to the tribunal’s findings, Hasina authorised law enforcement and paramilitary units to employ drones and armed helicopters to track and neutralise student gatherings.

The panel determined that both Kamal and Mamun abetted these actions through complicity and failure to prevent atrocities. However, the court pardoned Mamun after he confessed to his involvement and provided detailed cooperation to prosecutors.

Reading the verdict, Justice Majumder declared Hasina guilty on three counts — incitement, direct orders to kill, and wilful failure to prevent atrocities. “We have decided to inflict her with only one sentence — the sentence of death,” the judge announced, as the courtroom was placed under heavy security.

Kamal received the same sentence in absentia. Their abscondence, the court said, was “indicative of guilt and consciousness of wrongdoing.”

The five-count indictment against the former prime minister and her aides included murder, torture, and the use of inhumane tactics during the “July Uprising” of 2024. Human rights reports estimate that up to 1,400 people were killed between 15 July and 15 August 2024, when the Hasina administration unleashed a crackdown on pro-democracy students and activists.

The uprising, initially sparked by unemployment grievances and allegations of corruption, transformed into a nationwide movement against Hasina’s rule. The escalating violence forced the prime minister to flee Bangladesh on 4 August 2024, a day before her government collapsed.

Sheikh Hasina, now 78, has been living in exile in India since August 2024. Former minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal is also believed to be hiding there. The interim Bangladeshi government, led by economist Muhammad Yunus, has formally sought their extradition.

India has yet to issue an official response. Diplomatic observers note that any decision will have far-reaching implications for New Delhi–Dhaka relations, given India’s previous close ties with Hasina’s administration.

Authorities in Bangladesh imposed tight security measures nationwide ahead of the ruling. Dhaka Metropolitan Police issued shoot-at-sight orders against anyone engaging in violence, arson, or attacks on security personnel. The capital was largely deserted on the day of the verdict, with army units, Border Guard Bangladesh, and riot police deployed across strategic areas.

The dissolved Awami League had called for a two-day general strike prior to the judgment, while several human rights organisations expressed concern about potential unrest and reprisals.

Hasina’s conviction marks a dramatic turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. Once hailed as a champion of democracy, she now faces the ultimate judicial sentence for actions the court deemed “systematic and deliberate acts of extermination.”

The verdict is likely to intensify both domestic division and regional debate. The Yunus-led interim government may view it as a legal closure to a violent chapter, but critics argue that the trial’s credibility could face scrutiny given its political overtones and the volatile regional backdrop.

Agencies

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Pakistan Warns of 'Open War' With Afghanistan If Peace Talks Fail

Pakistan has issued an unambiguous warning to Afghanistan as Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif declared that Islamabad could enter into an “open war” if ongoing peace talks in Istanbul collapse. 

The statement marks a sharp escalation after weeks of cross-border clashes that have killed and injured dozens on both sides. Asif stated that while Pakistan believes Kabul desires peace, failure to reach an agreement during the second round of negotiations may leave no alternative but direct conflict.​

The Istanbul peace talks, hosted by Turkey and mediated by Qatar, have been underway to sustain a fragile ceasefire reached earlier in Doha.

The discussions focus on four primary issues — creating a joint border monitoring mechanism, ensuring mutual respect for sovereignty, addressing Pakistan’s long-standing security concerns about terrorism originating from Afghan territory, and easing trade restrictions.

Both delegations are also debating the controversial deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, an issue that has further strained relations.​

Pakistan maintains that militant groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) continue to operate from Afghan soil and launch attacks across the border. Kabul has consistently denied these accusations, countering that Pakistan’s airstrikes violate Afghan sovereignty.

Earlier in October, Islamabad conducted retaliatory strikes after a series of militant incidents along the frontier, triggering fierce exchanges that temporarily shuttered key border crossings. These closures have disrupted regional commerce, with traders reporting losses in the millions.​

Asif emphasised that no major incidents have occurred since the ceasefire was activated, describing the current calm as proof of its temporary effectiveness. Nevertheless, he warned that without a durable framework for peace, Pakistan’s “patience could run thin,” recalling Islamabad’s decades of hosting Afghan refugees and supporting its neighbour through turmoil.

Afghan officials have not yet publicly commented on his remarks, though İstanbul’s ongoing talks are viewed as a last opportunity to prevent renewed hostilities.​

Regional analysts note that if the peace process breaks down, any armed confrontation could rapidly escalate given the volatile border environment and entrenched mistrust between the two governments. 

The International Crisis Group has suggested that intelligence-sharing over militant activity is now a key focus, with Pakistan proposing that Kabul take direct enforcement action against designated TTP positions instead of allowing unilateral Pakistani strikes.

The current ceasefire, still holding since last Sunday, remains fragile — its endurance hinges on the Istanbul dialogue’s ability to construct verifiable security mechanisms and rebuild political trust between the uneasy neighbours.​

Agencies

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Jaishankar, UN Special Envoy On Myanmar Julie Bishop Discuss Border Stability, Refugee Situation

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with UN Special Envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, in New Delhi on March 25, 2025.

The discussion focused on several critical issues, including border stability, the refugee situation stemming from Myanmar, and transnational crime linked to the region. They also explored avenues for providing economic support to address these challenges.

In a post on X, Jaishankar expressed his satisfaction with the meeting, stating, "Glad to meet UN Special Envoy of the SG on Myanmar Julie Bishop this evening in Delhi. Discussed our border stability, refugee situation, transnational crime out of Myanmar and providing economic support. Exchanged views on the political situation".

This meeting follows Bishop's appointment by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in April 2024. 

Recently, India and Myanmar have also engaged in discussions regarding potential collaborations in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and trade, emphasizing the importance of resuming border trade to foster mutual growth.

ANI

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Over 260 From Myanmar Seek Shelter In Manipur

Over 260 individuals from Myanmar have sought refuge in Manipur, India, amid the escalating civil conflict in their home country. This influx of refugees began on January 27, 2025, with many arriving along the Moreh border area.

The situation has prompted local security agencies to closely monitor developments, particularly concerning reports of violence affecting Manipuri youth across the border.

The ongoing civil war in Myanmar has intensified, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian challenges. The refugees are part of a larger trend as more individuals flee the violence in Myanmar seeking safety in neighbouring regions.

PTI

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Delhi Police Arrests Two Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants, Identifies Over 1,000 More

Delhi Police have intensified their crackdown on illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, resulting in the arrest of two individuals and the identification of over 1,000 others. This operation was launched following directives from the Delhi Lieutenant Governor's office, which called for a two month verification drive to address the presence of unauthorized residents in the city.

Two illegal Bangladeshi immigrants were apprehended in the Kalindi Kunj and Hazrat Nizamuddin areas. One of them had entered India on December 6, reportedly paying ₹25,000 to an agent for assistance in finding employment.

The police have identified more than 1,000 suspected illegal immigrants during this operation. This includes collecting documents from individuals in various areas, such as Seemapuri, to verify their residency status.

The Delhi Police are conducting doortodoor verifications, checking voter IDs and Aadhaar cards to identify those residing illegally. They have warned residents against using fake identification and assured that strict actions will follow for those found violating immigration laws.

This crackdown comes amid rising concerns from local leaders about the impact of illegal immigration on community safety and resources. The operation aims to ensure that unauthorized individuals do not secure housing or employment in Delhi, reflecting broader national security measures regarding immigration control.

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Modi Government Starts Biggest Fencing Project On Myanmar Border

The Modi government has initiated a significant project to enhance border security by constructing a fence along the entire 1,643-kilometer Indo-Myanmar border. This decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on February 6, 2024, as part of efforts to create "impenetrable borders" and improve surveillance capabilities along this critical frontier.

The project covers the entire 1,643 kilometers of the Indo-Myanmar border, which runs through the states of Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.

As of now, approximately 10 kilometers of fencing has already been completed in Moreh, Manipur. Additionally, two pilot projects involving a Hybrid Surveillance System (HSS) are underway, with plans to fence one kilometer each in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

The Indian government plans to invest around ₹31,000 crore (approximately $3.7 billion) in this fencing initiative. This funding aims to curb smuggling activities and enhance security against cross-border insurgent movements.

The project effectively ends the Free Movement Regime (FMR) that allowed residents near the border to travel up to 16 kilometers into each other's territory without documentation. This regime was introduced in 2018 as part of India's Act East policy but has faced criticism due to concerns over security and illegal activities.

The decision to fence the border is driven by increasing concerns regarding smuggling and infiltration by insurgent groups. Local Meitei groups in Manipur have long advocated for stronger border security measures due to fears of tribal militants crossing into India. The government’s commitment to enhancing surveillance through additional patrol tracks alongside the fence underscores its focus on securing national borders more effectively.

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55 Rohingyas Among 675 Illegal Immigrants Apprehended In Tripura In 2024: BSF

In 2024, the Border Security Force (BSF) has apprehended a total of 675 illegal immigrants in Tripura, which includes 55 Rohingyas. This information was reported on December 1, 2024, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding illegal immigration in the region.

The apprehended individuals primarily consist of 620 Bangladeshi nationals, indicating a significant influx of migrants crossing the border into India. The BSF's operations have intensified in response to rising illegal border crossings, particularly following unrest in Bangladesh that has been linked to increased migration pressures.

This situation underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing border security and addressing the humanitarian aspects related to the Rohingya population and other migrants seeking refuge.

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BSF Foils Infiltration Attempt By Large Bangladeshi Group In West Bengal

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday said it thwarted a "significant" infiltration attempt by a large group of Bangladeshis along the International Border (IB) in West Bengal, amid an ongoing "high alert", announced due to a turmoil in the neighbouring country.

Officials said the personnel of the force stopped about 120-140 Bangladeshi citizens who were attempting to cross over to the Indian side from multiple locations in the eastern state.

The force is on a "high alert" mode since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Dhaka earlier this week.

The North Bengal Frontier of the force issued a statement to quell "rumours" and clarify that there was "no widespread movement of the minority population from Bangladesh towards the Indian border."

"The individuals gathered were primarily motivated by fears of local unrest. The BSF, in coordination with the BGB, and Bangladeshi civil authorities has reassured these individuals of their safety and encouraged them to return to their homes," a spokesperson for the frontier headquartered in Kadamtala, Darjeeling, said.

The Bangladeshi nationals were observed gathering near the IB around noon in two sectors, the statement said.

These gatherings were prompted by fears of attacks by protestors in Bangladesh, it said.

According to the statement, BSF personnel demonstrated "exceptional vigilance" and proactive measures and swiftly responded to these situations," ensuring the security of the border and the safety of the gathered Bangladeshi nationals.

Agencies

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Pakistan Refugees Thank PM Modi For Granting Them Citizenship

New Delhi: West Pakistan refugees thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Central government for granting them citizenship, which was denied to them for seven decades, during a call on by the President of the 'West Pakistani Refugees (WPR) Association, Labha Ram Gandhi, to Union Minister of State, Jitendra Singh today in the national capital.

The refugees, upon meeting Union Minister of State, Jitendra Singh, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi for their unwavering support and assistance during our times of hardship and displacement, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said in a press release.

They said, "We are deeply touched by the kindness and generosity shown towards us, ensuring our well-being and integration into the Indian society."

Recalling the injustice served to them over seven decades, the association accused the erstwhile previous governments of turning a deaf ear to their issues and problems.

They were also saddened by the fact that they were deprived of their right to vote and lawful citizenship for political gain. West Pakistani Refugees (WPRs) are those who migrated from areas in West Pakistan in the wake of partition in 1947 and settled in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, mainly in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts of Jammu Division. About 5764 families migrated to Jammu in the wake of the 1947 aggression by Pakistan, the release said.

The refugees called the abrogation of Article 370 a "historic move" that brought justice to many unheard voices in Jammu and Kashmir. They also shared with the minister, who also represents Udhampur Lok Sabha Constituency for the 3rd consecutive term, that the refugees will have a grand celebration on the eve of August 5 on the completion of 5 years of the abrogation of Article 370 which denied them citizenship and right to vote for so many years.

On the sidelines, the association requested that the Minister help in the expedition of compensation and redressal of other grievances. MoS Singh assured them of swift action and time bound redress of grievances.

The Association personally thanked MoS Jitendra Singh for his proactive efforts, which have not only alleviated their suffering but have also given them hope for a brighter future.

"We pledge to contribute positively to our adopted homeland and strive towards its progress and prosperity. Thank you, Government of India, for embracing us with open arms and granting us a chance to begin anew," said the refugees.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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Nearly 12,000 Afghan Migrants Deported From Iran, Pakistan In Four Days

Kabul: Nearly 12,000 Afghan migrants were deported from Iran and Pakistan from July 3-6, Khaama Press reported, citing the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation.

In a newsletter, the Taliban-led Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that 11,997 Afghan migrants were expelled by the governments of Pakistan and Iran and have returned to Afghanistan.

According to the newsletter, the expelled people entered Afghanistan through the borders of Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala-Herat, and Abreshim-Nimruz between July 3-6.

The trend of deporting Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan continues amid a humanitarian crisis despite international reactions, according to Khaama Press report.

The forced deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran and Pakistan has exacerbated the dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Many of these deportees face uncertain futures after returning to Afghanistan as the country faces economic instability and a lack of basic services.

The sudden increase in returnees has already overwhelmed communities and humanitarian organisations are struggling to provide support.

Human rights groups and organisations across the world have condemned the mass deportations and expressed concerns regarding the safety and well-being of Afghan deportees, Khaama Press reported.

International human rights groups said that such actions violate international law, especially concerning the principle of non-refoulement, which bans the forced return of refugees to a country where they could face persecution or serious harm.

Amidst these developments, Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the forced return of thousands of migrants, many of whom include vulnerable women and children. The situation highlights ongoing human rights violations and challenges in protecting the rights and safety of Afghan refugees

After seizing power, the Taliban has shut schools for girls from grades 7 to 12 and barred women from pursuing studies in universities. It has also stopped most Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies, closed beauty salons and curtailed travel for women in the absence of a male guardian.

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Myanmar Crisis Spurs Concerns Over Rising Criminal Syndicates, Human Trafficking: Indian Envoy

Bangkok: The volatile situation in Myanmar has had a roll-on effect on its neighbours, including the countries of India and Thailand. With an array of rebel militias increasing their offensive against the Military Junta in Myanmar, parts of the country are now said to be completely out of the central government's control.

Two parts of Myanmar have been of particular concern to the world. One is the region of Myawaddy, which in April this year briefly fell to rebels and has since been largely in conflict. This has meant that international criminal gangs, with support from some groups, have used the area to flourish a criminal enterprise involved in cyber fraud, phishing, and illegal gambling and betting.

In a candid interview with ANI, Indian Ambassador to Thailand, Nagesh Singh, expressed grave concerns over the escalating crisis in Myanmar's troubled regions, where ethnic armed groups have seized control, fostering a breeding ground for criminal syndicates and illicit activities.

Singh highlighted the severe challenges posed by the rampant operations of the Chinese mafia, orchestrating online scams, illegal casinos, and human trafficking networks across Myanmar's lawless territories.

"Large parts of Myanmar are being controlled by various armed groups. There is no central authority with whom you can deal," he stated.

The ambassador underscored the tragic plight of individuals from diverse countries, including India, Brazil, Africa, Malaysia, Taiwan, and the Philippines, who fall prey to false promises of lucrative jobs, only to be coerced into modern-day slavery upon crossing the border. "They come here, and once they go across the border, they are held hostage," Singh lamented.

For the Indian Embassy in Thailand, the recent spurt in criminal activities is a huge problem. Thailand offers visa-free travel for Indian nationals, and often gullible youth are recruited by shady agents on the pretext of a job in the IT sector. On arrival, they are then often taken across the border to Myanmar to work for these syndicates.

Singh disclosed the Indian government's proactive efforts to rescue its citizens, despite jurisdictional limitations. "About 320 odd Indians we've managed to repatriate in the last two years," he revealed, acknowledging the persistent challenges in aiding the remaining victims still trapped in Myanmar's perilous territories.

He emphasised the critical role of coordinated international efforts in combating this transnational threat, recognising it as a pressing concern for global security. "It's being seen as a serious threat to all countries," Singh remarked, calling for a concerted crackdown and heightened awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks faced by vulnerable individuals.

Amidst these dire circumstances, Singh assured continuous vigilance and swift responses from Indian diplomatic missions in Thailand and Myanmar, urging heightened caution among potential travelers and tighter border controls to curb illicit activities.

Another region that has spelled trouble is the Golden Triangle, a region that borders Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. In the absence of proper law enforcement agencies, the area in Myanmar's territory in the Golden Triangle has seen criminal groups work with impunity.

As per a report by the US Institute of Peace in June, the scammers operating in the region accounted for nearly 39 billion USD in stolen funds. On reaching these centers, recruits are given targets a certain amount of cash; they must scam people. If these recruits do not achieve these targets, they would be subjected to abuse and then forced to pay ransoms to get free of their captors. In March of this year, 19 Indians were rescued from the area. The scam has forced the Indian mission to issue a warning to Indians about accepting such offers.

Indian Ambassador to Laos Prashant Agarwal has advised Indian youth to exercise "utmost caution" on being offered job opportunities there and ascertain how genuine and safe these offers are, for which they can also contact the Indian Embassy Lao PDR.

"The Embassy has issued a very detailed advisory, which is being very well disseminated and is available on our website also. The Ministry of External Affairs has also issued a very detailed advisory in this regard," the Indian envoy told ANI in an earlier interview.

He added, "Essentially, what we want from our youth is to exercise the utmost caution. If they are told of any opportunity in this region, they must do their own diligence and dissidents...We have given our phone numbers and contact details; they are most welcome to contact us to ascertain whether the offers are bona fide and genuine before they travel out of India, make payments, and so on. So it is extremely essential that people exercise utmost caution before accepting any such offers."

With the ASEAN bloc appointing a special envoy to Myanmar, there is some hope that there could be a solution to the crisis in the region. In such times, the volatility has diplomats in the region working overtime to ensure that they can keep people informed of shady job offers.

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Over 13,000 Afghani Migrants Return From Pakistan, Iraq

Islamabad: As many as 13,447 Afghan migrants were expelled from Iran and Pakistan last week, The Khaama Press reported.

According to the Taliban-led ministry, of the total refugees, 10,225 were deported from Iran and 3,222 from Pakistan, with women and children among those forcibly returned, The Khaama Press reported.

The ministry detailed that Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan via border crossings such as Torghundi, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala, and the Friendship Bridge.

The expulsion of Afghan migrants from Pakistan and Iran has sharply escalated in recent months. Both countries claim to have deported Afghans who lack proper residency documentation back to Afghanistan, The Khaama Press reported

Some deported migrants alleged that despite possessing valid residency documents, they were detained by police and were forcibly returned to Afghanistan. Many Afghan migrants have documented instances of mistreatment by Iranian police in their camps.

Pakistan's Defense Minister, Khawaja Asif had previously announced intentions to enforce international laws strictly at its borders with Afghanistan. The minister emphasized serious measures to prevent undocumented Afghans from crossing back and forth through the borders.

Amidst these developments, Afghanistan faces a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the forced return of thousands of migrants, many of whom include vulnerable women and children. The situation highlights ongoing human rights violations and challenges in protecting the rights and safety of Afghan refugees.

The Taliban say they respect rights in line with their interpretation of Islamic law.

Since they swept back into power, as NATO Foreign and defence ministers withdrew all Allied troops from Afghanistan, most girls have been barred from high school and women from universities. The Taliban have also stopped most Afghan female staff from working at aid agencies, closed beauty salons, barred women from parks and curtailed travel for women in the absence of a male guardian.

(With Inputs From Agencies)

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Pakistan Security Forces Arrest 85 Afghan Nationals For Illegally Crossing Border

Islamabad: As many as 85 Afghan nationals have been arrested by security forces in the border district of Chagai district for allegedly crossing into Pakistan illegally, according to officials, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.

The Afghan nationals were found on the Pakistani side near the border lacking legal travelling documents. The Afghan nationals entered Pakistan illegally to cross into Iran for further journeys, according to Dawn report.

A senior security official said the Afghan nationals were arrested and handed over to the Levies force for further probe. Levies Force officials said that Afghan nationals would be deported through the Baracha crossing gate on the Pakistan-Afghan border after the completion of legal formalities and procedures, Dawn reported.

Earlier in May, the Afghan migrants who have been forcibly deported from Pakistan and Iran have criticised the mistreatment by the authorities and called for international attention to their plight there, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported.

The returnees, who have come from Iran, said that they were beaten by the Iranian government forces there while those in Pakistan expressed concern about the increasing challenges they face in that nation.

Basir, an Afghan returnee, who spent nearly two years in Iran and was recently deported with his three children, said: "When they wanted to search us, I resisted and they beat me. Now, I don't know if my ribs are broken or what has happened to me, I can't even lift two kilograms," reported TOLOnews.

Salahuddin, another deportee from Iran, said: "We went to Iran out of necessity to provide for our children, and they made it very hard for us," according to Dawn report.

On the other hand, lamenting about the situation, Reza Sazesh, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: "Even those who had cards were deported from Quetta and Islamabad, Pakistan, and we are worried about this process."

However, the Taliban-appointed consul in Karachi, Pakistan, urged the Taliban to provide Afghan migrants with additional time to return, TOLO News reported.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has characterised the state of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls as well as religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan, as grave, citing the urgent need for humanitarian aid for 23.7 million people to survive.

According to the report, Iran and Pakistan host around 7.7 million Afghan citizens, approximately 1.6 million of whom have been deported to Afghanistan since 2021.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International and some human rights organisations have expressed concern about the continuation of the process of expelling Afghan migrants from Pakistan and demanded a halt to this trend.

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582 Afghan Migrants Expelled From Pakistan Within 24 Hours: Report

Kabul: The Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation said that 582 Afghan migrants have returned from Pakistan forcibly or voluntarily within a single day, Khaama Press reported.

According to the ministry, the migrants arrived in Afghanistan on Thursday, May 9, via the Torkham crossing.

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation stated on Saturday, in a newsletter citing border officials of the Taliban in Torkham that 67 families, comprising 336 individuals, were "forcibly" deported from Pakistan and another 48 families, consisting of 246 individuals, returned "voluntarily" to Afghanistan.

The Taliban have stated that they provided 10,000 Afghanis in aid to each family, as per reports. Meanwhile, the newsletter notes that migrants deported from Pakistan have been directed to international organizations for assistance, as per Khaama Press.

Afghanistan's humanitarian situation has reached a critical juncture, marked by widespread suffering intensified by ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and natural disasters.

According to Khaama Press, Millions of Afghans are facing acute food insecurity, with limited access to basic healthcare and education. The crumbling infrastructure and the harsh winters further compound these challenges, leaving vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly, in desperate need of international aid and support.

The inadequate healthcare system struggles to cope with the needs of the population, exacerbated by a critical shortage of medical professionals and supplies.

Similarly, educational facilities are lacking, leaving many children without access to schooling, hampering the country's recovery and development.

These challenges highlight the pressing need for extensive international support and a unified humanitarian effort to avert further crisis escalation.

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Afghan Migrants Deported From Pakistan Say They Were Mistreated By Iran, Pak Authorities

Kabul: Criticising the mistreatment by the authorities in Pakistan and Iran, the Afghan migrants who have been forcibly deported from the nations have called for international attention to their plight there, according to TOLOnews.

The returnees, who have come from Iran, said that they were beaten by the Iranian government forces there. Whereas, those in Pakistan expressed concern about the increasing challenges they face in that nation.

Basir, an Afghan returnee, who spent nearly two years in Iran and was recently deported with his three children, said: "When they wanted to search us, I resisted and they beat me. Now, I don't know if my ribs are broken or what has happened to me, I can't even lift two kilograms," reported TOLOnews.

Whereas, Salahuddin, another deportee from Iran, said: "We went to Iran out of necessity to provide for our children, and they made it very hard for us."

On the other hand, lamenting about the situation, Reza Sazesh, an Afghan migrant in Pakistan, said: "Even those who had cards were deported from Quetta and Islamabad, Pakistan, and we are worried about this process."

However, the Taliban's consul in Karachi, Pakistan, urged the country's authorities to provide Afghan migrants with additional time to return.

According to the Taliban's Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation, around 2,800 Afghan migrants returned from Iran, both voluntarily and forcibly, on May 1, according to TOLOnews.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has characterised the state of human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls as well as religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan, as grave, citing the urgent need for humanitarian aid for 23.7 million people to survive.

According to the report, Iran and Pakistan host around 7.7 million Afghan citizens, approximately 1.6 million of whom have been deported to Afghanistan since 2021.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International and some human rights organisations have expressed concern about the continuation of the process of expelling Afghan migrants from Pakistan and demanded a halt to this trend.

This report is auto-generated from a syndicated feed

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