Pakistan, June 7 -- NEW YORK - The Taliban's Prime Minister, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, declared a broad amnesty for Afghans who left their country following the collapse of the administration supported by the West in 2021. In an address commemorating Eid al-Adha, Akhund urged all expatriate Afghans to come back home, emphasizing that they would face no harm upon their return.

In his post on X (previously known as Twitter), Akhund stated, “Afghan citizens who have departed from the nation ought to go back home; they won’t be subjected to any danger.” He encouraged individuals to return and experience “a climate of tranquility.” Additionally, he directed Taliban authorities to aid those returning by providing accommodation and necessary assistance services.

This statement follows closely after ex-U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a travel restriction affecting 12 nations, one of which was Afghanistan. This move significantly reduces chances for Afghan citizens to relocate or pursue education in the United States, intensifying the strain on individuals who were looking to flee oppression or find a more prosperous life elsewhere.

At the same time, numerous Afghan nationals awaiting resettlement in Pakistan now confront the threat of deportation as Islamabad intensifies efforts against unlawful foreign residents. Since October 2023, nearly one million Afghans have departed from Pakistan to evade potential detention or involuntary relocation, exacerbating the precarious situation for countless uprooted households.

In his Eid address, Akhund also took aim at global media outlets, asserting they portray an unbalanced view of the Taliban’s governance. He emphasized, “It is crucial we prevent the flame of the Islamic regime from being snuffed out,” encouraging reporters to refrain from making inaccurate assessments and focus on showcasing the achievements under this new order.

After retaking control of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban’s governance triggered an outpouring of people leaving the country. Individuals such as former government workers, human rights advocates, media professionals, and others associated with U.S. military operations were part of the estimated tens of thousands who departed Afghanistan. Currently, the Taliban is trying to halt this mass departure through assurances of stability and safety within their borders.

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