The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan says nearly 2 million Afghan migrants have returned to the country from abroad over the past year, highlighting what officials describe as a major return of Afghan families and a renewed effort to support vulnerable communities.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, announced that more than 1.99 million Afghans have returned from various countries during the past year.

Speaking on the “Government in the Media Mirror” program, Mujahid said the returnees included approximately 210,000 families from Pakistan, 200,000 families from Iran and 230 families from Türkiye.

He said the Islamic Emirate, together with domestic and international organizations, had mobilized substantial resources to assist Afghans returning from Pakistan and Iran.

“To support migrants deported from Iran and Pakistan, more than $21.995 million and over 48 million afghanis in assistance have been raised through domestic and international organizations,” Mujahid said.

Mujahid also outlined a series of social welfare measures, saying that more than 680,000 orphans, widows and people with disabilities had been registered during the current lunar year.

According to the Islamic Emirate spokesperson, more than 600,000 beneficiaries have received a combined 12.6 billion afghanis in financial assistance through the country's banking system.

He said the program demonstrates the government's efforts to identify vulnerable citizens and provide assistance through formal channels.

The Islamic Emirate has also focused on protecting children considered particularly vulnerable. Mujahid said authorities addressed the cases of 13,774 children at risk during the year.

Of these, 7,260 children, including trafficking victims, children at risk and children under the care of correctional centers, were reunited with their families, he said.

Mujahid also addressed international humanitarian assistance, rejecting suggestions that the Islamic Emirate has interfered with aid intended for organizations operating in Afghanistan.

He said foreign assistance to organizations in the country has declined significantly, while emphasizing that Afghan communities continue to require humanitarian support.

“The Islamic Emirate creates no obstacles to the distribution and implementation of aid, but one thing must be taken into consideration: assistance must reach those in need, be transparent, and be delivered according to their needs,” Mujahid said.

The statement reflects the Islamic Emirate's repeated emphasis on greater transparency and direct delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghans in need.

The spokesperson also reported significant fundraising efforts for Afghans affected by natural disasters.

According to Mujahid, more than $23.297 million and 93 million afghanis were raised during the year to support people affected by natural disasters in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh and Nangarhar provinces.

The funds were intended to help communities recover from disasters and address urgent humanitarian needs.

Mujahid further highlighted developments in humanitarian mine clearance, announcing that 108 square kilometers of mine-contaminated land had been cleared during the year.

Mine contamination remains a longstanding challenge in Afghanistan after decades of conflict, restricting access to farmland, roads and other areas needed by local communities.

The Islamic Emirate has increasingly presented mine clearance, the return of displaced Afghans and assistance to vulnerable citizens as key components of its efforts to restore stability and improve living conditions across the country.

The figures presented by Mujahid point to an extensive government and humanitarian effort focused on returning migrants, supporting vulnerable Afghans, responding to natural disasters and removing remnants of decades of conflict. (ILKHA)