INTERNATIONAL — June 25, 2026
344 Afghans Freed from Pakistani Jails, 164 Inmates Transferred from Iran
Those released from Pakistan entered through the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings while the group from Iran arrived via Pul-i-Abrisham in Nimroz province, and all received humanitarian assistance upon return.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Omid Radio — corroborated by Pajhwok, Afghanistan International, Amu TV and 1 more — 2 min read
The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation announced that 344 Afghan citizens were released from Pakistani prisons this week after being detained for lacking residency documents.
Of those released, 232 returned through the Torkham crossing and 112 through Spin Boldak. The individuals received humanitarian assistance before being transported to their home areas, and the ministry said further support measures would be provided.
In a separate transfer, 164 Afghan inmates were handed over by Iran and entered Afghanistan through the Pul-i-Abrisham crossing in Nimroz province. One report stated that three women were among the group transferred from Iran.
Similar exchanges of Afghan prisoners from Iran have occurred in recent years under agreements between the two sides, with around 2,000 transferred since 2021. The returns from Pakistan take place amid ongoing deportations of undocumented Afghan migrants that have exceeded two million since late 2023.
Read the original reporting at Omid Radio →
Reliability assessment
Core events (344 from Pakistan, 164 from Iran) corroborated by 2+ independent sources with direct attribution to Taliban Ministry of Refugees and Prison Administration officials; minor detail variations (e.g., women count) do not affect event verification
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "in the framework of agreements between Tehran and the Taliban"; "always been accompanied by concerns"; "may be at risk of mistreatment due to their political leanings or connections with anti-Taliban groups" — these phrases introduce opinionated framing and human-rights advocacy language into the reporting.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- 344 Afghans released from Pakistani prisons this week and returned via Torkham and Spin Boldak
- 164 Afghans transferred from Iranian prisons to Afghanistan around the same time
- Both events handled/coordinated by Taliban authorities (MoRR and Prison Administration)
- Returnees provided with humanitarian assistance
Where reports differ
- Pajhwok reports three women among the 164 from Iran; other sources do not mention gender breakdown
- Source 1 provides more background on Iran provinces and prior transfers; others focus on current numbers only
Filed by 5 outlets
Omid Radio
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Pajhwok
Reported straight
Reported straight
Afghanistan International
Framed
Framed
Amu TV
Reported straight
Reported straight
Hurriyat
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Afghan prisoners, Iran, Pakistan, Taliban, repatriation
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