Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Interim Government, stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account that plans have been prepared for 35 townships across 25 provinces of the country for returning refugees. He added that in some provinces, land distribution to eligible individuals has already begun.
According to him, these townships are specifically being developed to provide permanent and secure housing for returning refugees, facilitate the voluntary repatriation process, improve the well-being of returnees upon arrival, and attract domestic and international assistance for the development of infrastructure.
Fitrat further mentioned that, so far, a significant number of townships are in the initial stages of development in various provinces, particularly Nangarhar, Khost, Kandahar, Nimroz, Herat, Faryab, Paktia, and Ghazni.
These townships are designed in such a way that refugee families can live there safely, either temporarily or permanently.
According to the detailed plans, the townships will include residential areas, primary and secondary schools, clinics and health centers, water supply, electricity and sewage systems, mosques, designated spaces for community gatherings, as well as land for agriculture and small family businesses.
In addition to the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations and other governmental agencies, several international organizations, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), are involved in the development of these townships.
It is worth noting that, in line with the process of deporting Afghan refugees from neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, the interim government has provided extensive cash and shelter assistance to these returnees, and this support continues.
