World News
Six million Afghans forced to return from Pakistan and Iran over three years
Mass deportations and returnee drives by neighboring countries push millions into Afghanistan amid international isolation and shrinking foreign aid.
The short version
- Over six million people have returned or been deported to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in under three years, according to the UNHCR.
- Many returnees face severe poverty, homelessness, and strict Taliban restrictions on women and girls, with many having lived abroad for decades or their entire lives.
- Humanitarian agencies report that 21.9 million people in Afghanistan require aid this year, while foreign aid cuts and international sanctions strain available resources.
- Pakistan has granted a temporary humanitarian deportation exemption for 16,000 vulnerable Afghans, though thousands more remain at risk.
Key facts
- The UNHCR reports that six million people have been deported or forced to return to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in under three years, including one million since the start of the year.[BBC News]
- The UN estimates that 21.9 million people in Afghanistan need humanitarian assistance this year, while UNICEF reported that one million children face life-threatening malnutrition.[BBC News]
- Human Rights Watch reported that Pakistani authorities have engaged in door-to-door raids, late-night searches, and warrantless arrests targeting Afghans.[BBC News]
- Pakistan confirmed a temporary humanitarian deportation exemption for 16,000 vulnerable Afghans.[BBC News]
- Five years after taking power, Russia is the only country that has formally recognized the Taliban government.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- While sources estimate up to 250,000 Afghans in Pakistan remain at risk of serious harm if deported, the precise number of vulnerable individuals subject to expulsion remains unverified.[BBC News]
- Former Afghan government and security personnel report living in fear of Taliban retaliation despite an official amnesty announced by the Taliban government after taking power.[BBC News]