More than 1,200 Afghan migrant families returned from Pakistan and Iran over the past week, according to figures released by the Taliban.
Between November 9 and 16, at least 1,208 families either returned voluntarily or were forcibly deported, based on data reviewed from the Taliban-run Bakhtar News Agency. Of these, 891 families returned from Iran, while 317 came back from Pakistan.
Iranian crossings accounted for the majority of the returnees, with 554 families entering through the Islam Qala border and 337 via the Silk Bridge in Nimroz. Additionally, 145 families crossed into Afghanistan through Torkham, while 172 returned via the Spin Boldak route.
This marks a continuation of rising returns, as 1,239 families were reported to have come back during the previous week.
Iran has announced plans to deport two million Afghan migrants by the end of the current solar year (March 2025), citing a focus on removing undocumented migrants. Nader Yar Ahmadi, an advisor to Iran’s Ministry of Interior, highlighted the Dogharoon border as a primary crossing point for deportations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has enacted laws requiring undocumented Afghan migrants to leave its territory, intensifying returns from both nations.
Afghan migrants have frequently voiced concerns about mistreatment in host countries, pointing to discriminatory policies and challenging living conditions. The situation has raised alarm among rights groups, who emphasize the need for humane treatment and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.
