As the deportations by Iran and Pakistan continue, more than 5,500 migrant families have returned to the country over the past week, according to figures compiled by Amu from Taliban statements.
From June 18 to June 24, at least 5,553 families were returned to Afghanistan, including 4,853 from Iran and 700 from Pakistan. The deportations were carried out through both voluntary returns and forced removals, the data show.
Of those expelled from Pakistan, 442 families entered through the Torkham border crossing in Nangarhar Province, 244 via Spin Boldak in Kandahar, and 14 through the Angoor Adda crossing in Paktika Province.
Meanwhile, 3,775 families returned from Iran through the Islam Qala crossing, 1,058 via the Silk Bridge border point, and 20 through Bahramcha in Helmand Province.
The forced return of Afghans has intensified in recent months. According to a recent report by the Norwegian Refugee Council, more than one million migrants have been expelled from Pakistan since Islamabad began its mass deportation campaign in September 2023. The council warned that Afghanistan is ill-equipped to absorb such large numbers, given ongoing economic collapse, widespread poverty, and rising security challenges.
The report also projected that an additional 600,000 Afghans may be deported from Pakistan by the end of 2025.
