Latest News

Drop in Afghan returnees from Iran reported amid improved border assistance efforts

Published

10 months ago

July 21, 2025

Nearly 12,000 Afghan migrants returned to Afghanistan in the past 24 hours via the Islam Qala crossing in Herat and the Silk Bridge crossing in Nimroz, marking a drop in returnees against the daily rate for the past few weeks.

According to the High Commission for Refugees of the Islamic Emirate, this figure of 12,000 included more than 2,000 families.

Officials report that while the daily number of returnees has dropped compared to recent weeks, humanitarian response mechanisms at key border points have improved considerably.

At Islam Qala alone, over 10,000 individuals reportedly crossed the border within a single day. Local authorities credit enhanced coordination and the activation of multiple relief committees for the more organized delivery of aid.

“The process is becoming more structured, and support mechanisms are now better aligned with the needs of returnees,” a Herat provincial official stated. Afghan security forces have also been deployed to manage border operations and ensure that aid is distributed in a safe and orderly manner.

In addition to the government’s response, local charities have expanded their services at the Islam Qala crossing, providing not only food but also essential health care to newly arrived families. International organizations, Afghan NGOs, and government agencies are collaborating closely to deliver immediate assistance.

Despite these improvements, many returnees continue to voice concerns about their treatment during deportation.

Several individuals allege they were mistreated by Iranian authorities and received no humanitarian support while in transit. Some reported extortion and abuse before reaching the Afghan border.

In an effort to address these issues and enhance bilateral coordination, Herat Governor Noor Ahmad Islamjar recently visited Iran’s Khorasan Razavi province. During the visit, he toured several migrant holding facilities and engaged with Iranian officials on improving conditions for Afghan nationals facing deportation.

Iran has been expelling large numbers of undocumented Afghan migrants in recent months, citing economic and security concerns. Since the beginning of 2025, over a million Afghans have returned—either voluntarily or through forced deportation—placing immense pressure on Afghanistan’s limited absorption capacity.

The returnees often face difficult circumstances, including lack of shelter, employment, and access to healthcare. While humanitarian support has scaled up, gaps in long-term reintegration efforts remain a pressing challenge.

The recent decline in return numbers and improved assistance at border points suggest a more coordinated and stable approach may be emerging—at least in the immediate term.

Up Next

Chinese oil deal cancelled, Afghan experts take over Amu Darya fields

Don't Miss

Muslim World League Chief in Kabul for talks, pledges support, cooperation with IEA

Latest News

Afghan activist Matiullah Wesa awarded France’s Freedom Prize 2026

Wesa is the founder of the Pen Path initiative and is widely known for campaigning in support of access to education, particularly for girls in Afghanistan.

Published

1 hour ago

May 6, 2026

Ariana News

Afghan education advocate Matiullah Wesa has been named the recipient of France’s Freedom Prize 2026, in recognition of his efforts to promote education and children’s rights in Afghanistan.

According to French media reports, Wesa was selected through an online vote involving 18,708 young people from 75 countries, highlighting strong international support for his advocacy work.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on June 4 in the city of Caen at the Zénith hall, where more than 4,000 young participants are expected to attend alongside several World War II veterans.

Wesa is the founder of the Pen Path initiative and is widely known for campaigning in support of access to education, particularly for girls in Afghanistan.

The Freedom Prize, established in 2019 by the Normandy Region and the International Institute for Human Rights and Peace, honours individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the defense of human freedoms.

International Sports

Ahmedabad to host IPL 2026 final; BCCI announces playoff schedule

After 70 matches in theCri league stage, the competition now enters its decisive phase, with the top four teams set to battle it out for the title.

Published

2 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Ariana News

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the 2026 playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL), confirming that Ahmedabad will host the tournament’s grand final.

After 70 matches in the league stage, the competition now enters its decisive phase, with the top four teams set to battle it out for the title.

Qualifier 1, featuring the two highest-ranked teams, will take place on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The winner will secure a direct place in the final.

The playoffs will then shift to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host both the Eliminator on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29.

The Eliminator will see the third- and fourth-placed teams face off, with the winner advancing to Qualifier 2 to meet the loser of Qualifier 1 for the remaining spot in the final.

The tournament will conclude on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the largest cricket stadium in the world.

The BCCI said the playoffs will be staged across three venues this year due to operational and logistical considerations. Bengaluru had initially been selected to host the final, but the venue was changed after local requirements from authorities and the state association were deemed beyond the board’s established guidelines and protocols.

IPL 2026 Playoffs Schedule:

Qualifier 1 – May 26 – Dharamshala
Eliminator – May 27 – New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2 – May 29 – New Chandigarh
Final – May 31 – Ahmedabad

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the schedule in an official media advisory.

As with the group stage matches, Ariana Television will continue to broadcast the next phase of this year’s IPL. Matches will be aired live and exclusively across Afghanistan on Ariana Television.

Fans are encouraged to follow Ariana News and Ariana Television’s social media platforms for updated information and schedules.

Latest News

Afghan health delegation visits Russia to boost pharmaceutical imports and cooperation

Published

22 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Ariana News

An Afghan delegation led by Hamdullah Zahid, Deputy Minister for Food and Drug at the Ministry of Public Health, has traveled to Russia to facilitate pharmaceutical imports and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

According to officials, the visit aims to expand strategic ties between Afghanistan and Russia, particularly in the regulation and supply of medicines and food products.

A key focus is to create effective mechanisms that enable Afghan traders to import high-quality, safe, and reliable pharmaceutical and food items.

During the trip, the delegation is expected to hold talks with Russian regulatory authorities overseeing pharmaceutical and health products. Discussions will center on aligning standards, simplifying registration processes, improving quality control systems, and establishing practical frameworks for cooperation.

The delegation will also visit leading pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Russia to assess production capacity, explore advanced technologies in drug manufacturing and quality assurance, and identify opportunities for joint investment.

Officials say the visit is intended to promote knowledge exchange, enhance technical capacity, and pave the way for stronger collaboration in pharmaceutical production and import sectors between the two countries.