On Saturday, Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund stated that all Afghans who fled after the fall of the former Western-backed government are welcome to return home without fear of harm. This amnesty offer was made in a message for Eid al-Adha, the Islamic holiday also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice.” Akhund’s statement follows the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a travel ban on 12 countries, including Afghanistan, which hinders the resettlement of Afghans in the U.S. and affects those seeking temporary travel for education.
At the same time, Afghans in neighboring Pakistan face a push for deportation by the Pakistani government, with nearly a million leaving since October 2023 to avoid arrest. In his Eid message, Akhund encouraged Afghans to abandon their fears and return to their homeland, promising safety and urging officials to provide adequate support for returnees, including shelter.
Additionally, Akhund criticized media reports that he described as “false judgments” regarding the Taliban’s governance and achievements. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the Islamic system and urged the media to acknowledge the accomplishments amidst ongoing challenges. The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, coinciding with the final stages of the U.S. and NATO withdrawal after two decades of conflict. This takeover resulted in a mass exodus, with many fleeing to the airport and seeking refuge in neighboring Iran and Pakistan, including former government officials, journalists, and activists who had collaborated with U.S. forces against the Taliban.
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