Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Thursday ordered authorities to arrange immediate transportation of Pakistani citizens detained in Taftan jail back to their home provinces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.

The directive follows reports of overcrowding and deteriorating conditions inside the jail, where dozens of Pakistanis have been held for months after being detained in Iran. Kundi’s order aims to speed up the repatriation process and reduce pressure on the facility near the Pakistan-Iran border.

  • Location: Taftan jail, Balochistan (Pakistan-Iran border crossing)
  • Responsible agency: Home Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in coordination with Balochistan government and federal authorities
  • Affected provinces: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, and other regions
  • Estimated detainees: Around 50–70 Pakistani citizens (exact number not confirmed by authorities)
  • Key date: Order issued on 12 June 2025

Why this order was issued now

Multiple sources inside the jail told Naya Pakistan that poor sanitation, lack of medical care, and extreme heat have made conditions unbearable for detainees. Some have been held for over six months without formal charges or court hearings in Iran, despite their Pakistani citizenship.

A senior official in Balochistan’s Home Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the jail was designed for short-term transit, not long-term detention. "Taftan jail is a holding facility, not a prison. These people should have been processed and sent home weeks ago," the official said.

How repatriation will work

Kundi’s order requires coordination between three provincial governments and federal agencies to ensure smooth transport. Here’s what to expect:

  • Transport mode: Special buses or flights will be arranged from Taftan to provincial capitals.
  • Provinces involved: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh have been asked to prepare reception centers.
  • Documentation: Detainees must present Pakistani CNICs or passports for verification. Those without documents will be held until identity is confirmed.
  • Timeline: Authorities aim to complete transfers within 7–10 days, depending on logistical arrangements.
  • Support: The federal government will cover transport costs; provincial governments will arrange medical check-ups and temporary shelters.

A federal interior ministry spokesperson told Naya Pakistan that no Pakistani citizen should be left behind due to bureaucratic delays. "Every effort will be made to bring them home safely," the spokesperson said.

What happens next for the detainees

Once repatriated, detainees will undergo mandatory health screening at border entry points. Those requiring medical treatment will be referred to nearby hospitals.

  • Quarantine: A short isolation period may be imposed if any show symptoms of contagious diseases.
  • Legal status: Detainees will be handed over to their respective provincial governments for further processing.
  • Compensation: The federal government has not announced any financial aid, but provincial authorities may provide Rs 10,000–20,000 per person for immediate expenses.

What readers should do

If you or someone you know is affected:

  • Contact: Reach out to your provincial Home Department or the Federal Interior Ministry hotline: 051-111-000-435
  • Documents: Ensure you have a valid CNIC or passport ready for verification.
  • Follow updates: Check the Interior Ministry’s official website (interior.gov.pk) for repatriation schedules.
  • Report delays: If transport is delayed beyond 10 days, file a complaint with the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) at nchr.gov.pk.

What to watch next

  • Week 1 (13–19 June 2025): First batch of repatriations expected from Taftan.
  • Week 2 (20–26 June 2025): Remaining detainees to be transported.
  • July 2025: Provincial governments to submit reports on reintegration support provided to returnees.
  • August 2025: Federal audit of repatriation process to assess delays and bottlenecks.

This is a rare case of swift government action on a long-standing issue affecting Pakistani citizens abroad. Whether the repatriation stays on track will depend on logistical coordination and political will—two things Pakistan’s bureaucracy is not always known for.

For now, families of detainees can only wait and hope that their loved ones come home before the summer heat worsens conditions in Taftan jail.