SOCIETY — April 5, 2026
UNHCR Scales Up Support for Returnee Communities in Kandahar
The UNHCR has intensified aid for returnee communities in Kandahar province, inaugurating a new school as part of efforts to improve education, healthcare, shelter and livelihoods. The move follows assistance to over 364,000 people last year and more than 166,000 returns from Pakistan this year.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Pajhwok — 2 min read
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (Afghan Verified) -- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has scaled up support for returning refugee communities in Kandahar province, expanding access to education, healthcare, shelter and livelihoods.
UNHCR Representative Arafat Jamal visited Kandahar province, including the Takhtapul reception centre. During the visit, Jamal inaugurated the Regi Kalacha School in Kandahar city. The school, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), forms part of six schools built with a $2.5 million investment and capacity for nearly 8,000 students.
In 2025, UNHCR assisted more than 364,000 people in Kandahar and neighboring provinces, agency officials said.
Over 166,000 people have returned from Pakistan since the beginning of the year, according to Jamal.
Dr. Nanda Evalist, chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian Embassy, joined the visit.
The expanded support comes amid expectations of further returns from Pakistan.
Read the original reporting at Pajhwok →
Reliability assessment
Single source (Pajhwok) provides direct, on-record attribution with concrete, checkable details: named officials (Arafat Jamal, Dr. Nanda Evalist), specific locations (Kandahar, Takhtapul reception centre, Regi Kalacha School), numbers (364,000 assisted in 2025, 166,000 returns, 6 schools, $2.5M investment, 8,000 capacity), and direct quote from Jamal.
The source language reads straight.
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.
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Pajhwok
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Society — UNHCR, Kandahar, Arafat Jamal, refugee returns, Pakistan
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