SOCIETY — June 14, 2026
Returnees Arrive in Afghanistan via Torkham, Spin Boldak and Other Borders
Reports indicate that 3,009 individuals arrived in one day and 6,858 over two days, with cash, health, food and transport aid provided to hundreds of families at the crossings.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — corroborated by Hasht-e Subh — 2 min read
Afghan officials reported the arrival of returnees at several border crossings in recent days.
The Commission for Addressing Refugees’ Problems stated that 592 families comprising 3,009 individuals entered via Torkham, Spin Boldak, Silk Bridge and Islam Qala. Assistance including cash, health services, food and telecommunications support was provided to more than 700 families, while 702 families were transported to various provinces.
A separate report said 1,363 families totaling 6,858 people returned over two days through Torkham, Spin Boldak, Islam Qala and Nimroz, with the largest share of 5,537 people arriving at Torkham.
Deputy spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat was cited in connection with the updates. The two sets of figures cover different reporting periods.
Read the original reporting at Pajhwok →
Reliability assessment
2 independent sources corroborate the core event of returnees arriving via the named borders with official attribution to Fitrat; differing figures (likely due to daily vs. two-day reporting periods) do not negate event corroboration
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Hasht-e Subh: "intensification of livelihood, housing, and employment crises" – this uses negative framing to emphasize harmful impacts without attributing to specific sources in the sentence, mixing report with mild advocacy phrasing on the consequences of deportations.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Returnees entered Afghanistan via Torkham, Spin Boldak, Nimroz, and Islam Qala borders
- Official statements from Taliban deputy spokesperson (Fitrat) reported on returnee arrivals
- Assistance including cash, transport, health, and other services was provided to returnees
- Returns/deportations from neighboring countries are ongoing and increasing
Where reports differ
- Total number of returnee families and individuals (Hasht-e Subh: 1,363 families/6,858 people over two days; Pajhwok: 592 families/3,009 individuals in daily report)
- Specific per-border family and individual counts (significantly higher in Hasht-e Subh than Pajhwok across all crossings)
Filed by 2 outlets
Pajhwok
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Hasht-e Subh
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Society — Afghan returnees, Torkham border, Spin Boldak, Taliban, deportations
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