A top Taliban official said on Saturday that all Afghans who fled the country after the collapse of the former Western-backed government are free to return home, promising they would not be harmed if they come back. Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund made the amnesty offer in his message for the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.

The offer comes days after US President Donald Trump announced a sweeping travel ban on 12 countries, including Afghanistan. Afghans in neighbouring Pakistan who are awaiting resettlement are also dealing with a deportation drive. Akhund’s holiday message was posted on the social platform X. “Afghans who have left the country should return to their homeland,” he said.

Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund. Pic/Instagram@soanwatan