A housing complex costing $800,000 USD is being constructed by Qatar in Gardez city, the capital of Paktia province, for newly returned Afghan migrants.

According to officials, in addition to the construction of a school, mosque, and religious seminary, all basic living facilities will be provided within the complex.

Habibullah Shaheedzada, Director of Refugees and Repatriation in Paktia, said: “The one hundred houses being built by Qatar will include all essential facilities: a school, madrasa, mosque, several shops, and a safe drinking water supply network that will be connected to each individual home. Other vital services for daily life have also been considered.”

Meanwhile, several recently returned migrants have called on the interim government and aid organizations to provide housing and job opportunities.

Rahim Gul, deported from Pakistan, said: “We thank Qatar for helping with housing. Other countries and organizations should also support returning migrants in terms of shelter and other needs, because we left all our possessions behind and have come back empty-handed.”

Abdulwahid, also deported from Pakistan, said: “My request to the government is to assist me in building the house for which I have already drawn up a plan. These two tents were provided with help from the locals. This is the land of my ancestors—I’m happy to be back. We won’t starve, because we have our people and our community here.”

According to official data, since the beginning of the second phase of Pakistan’s forced deportation campaign, nearly 300 Afghan families have returned to Paktia province.