KABUL, Afghanistan — At least 421 migrant families returned to Afghanistan last week from neighboring Iran and Pakistan, according to a data from Taliban-run refugees ministry.
From December 29 to January 4, 304 families returned from Iran, while 117 came back from Pakistan. The figures reflect returns during the first five days of the period, as the Taliban has not yet released data for the final two days of the week.
Among those returning from Pakistan, 55 families crossed through the Torkham border, while 62 entered via the Spin Boldak crossing. Meanwhile, 124 families returned from Iran using the Pul-e-Abrisham crossing in Nimroz Province, and 180 crossed into Herat Province via the Islam Qala border.
This wave of returns follows the deportation of 393 Afghan migrant families by Iranian and Pakistani authorities during the previous week, from December 22 to December 28.
Reports of Mistreatment in Pakistan
Afghan migrants in Pakistan have voiced complaints about mistreatment by security forces. Some migrants alleged that Pakistani police stormed their homes, detaining women, children, and elders.
One Afghan man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was detained despite possessing all necessary documentation.
Iranian officials have also emphasized their intention to prioritize the deportation of Afghan migrants.
Growing Challenges for Migrants
The return and deportation of Afghan families highlight the ongoing challenges faced by migrants in neighboring countries. Many fled Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, only to encounter hostility and worsening conditions abroad.
Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the treatment of Afghan migrants in both Pakistan and Iran, where crackdowns have intensified in recent months.
The situation reflects the precarious circumstances for millions of Afghans displaced by conflict, economic instability, and political upheaval, both inside and outside the country’s borders.