Iran and Pakistan expelled nearly 100,000 Afghan migrants over the past week, according to data compiled by Amu from the Taliban’s Commission for Refugees.
The data shows that a total of 98,003 Afghans were deported or returned under pressure from Sept 6 to 12. Of these, 32,279 came from Iran and 65,724 from Pakistan. The figures show a sharp increase in deportations from Pakistan compared with previous weeks.
Moreover, on Saturday, Sept. 13, Pakistan expelled 6,786 Afghans while 887 others returned from Iran, the commission said.
The deportees crossed into Afghanistan through border points including Torkham, Spin Boldak, Angur Ada, Bahramcha, Islam Qala and Pul-e Abrisham.
The surge in deportations comes at a perilous time. The magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck eastern Afghanistan on Aug. 31 killed more than 2,200 people, wounded 3,600 and left over 84,000 displaced, according to the United Nations. Many of the affected families remain without shelter as winter approaches.
Filippo Grandi, the U.N. high commissioner for refugees, warned that forced returns could worsen the crisis. “The recent earthquake has affected more than 500,000 people in eastern Afghanistan,” he said last week. “In such circumstances, donor support, including from Pakistan, is vital and welcome.”
He urged Pakistan to halt its deportation plan, particularly for Afghan nationals, citing Afghanistan’s inability to absorb the influx. The country is struggling with widespread poverty, an economic collapse following the Taliban takeover in 2021, and dwindling international aid.
Aid groups say cash support and cross-border assistance remain critical for Afghan families, many of whom have no means to rebuild their lives amid repeated natural disasters and continuing political isolation.
