Afghanistan

Over 1,400 Afghan migrant families returned from Pakistan, Iran in past week

More than 1,400 Afghan migrant families were returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran last week, according to figures from Taliban-controlled media.

From October 27 to November 2, Iran forcibly deported 1,099 Afghan families, while Pakistan deported 304, based on data from the Bakhtar News Agency. During this period, 163 families crossed back into Afghanistan through the Torkham crossing, and 141 returned via Spin Boldak. In addition, 419 families entered through the Pul-e-Abrisham border in Nimroz, while 680 crossed at Islam Qala.

This uptick in returns follows intensified efforts by both Iran and Pakistan to expel Afghan migrants. Iranian officials recently announced plans to deport as many as two million Afghans by March 2024.

Reports from Afghan migrants in Iran describe widespread mistreatment by local police and government authorities.