Afghan Refugees: Over 5,500 Forcibly Repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a Single Day

KABUL — More than 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, according to official figures released by the Taliban government’s High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues. The mass return highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis facing Afghanistan as winter sets in and thousands of displaced families struggle to rebuild their lives.

Scale of Deportations

Authorities confirmed that 577 families, comprising 3,005 individuals, were expelled on Monday alone, while additional groups pushed the total number of returnees beyond 5,500 across the same 24-hour period. Refugees entered Afghanistan through several major border crossings, including Islam Qala in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, and Torkham in Nangarhar.

This surge follows a broader pattern: in the past week, over 10,000 Afghans were deported from Iran and Pakistan in just two days, underscoring the scale of forced returns.

Humanitarian Concerns

International organizations and rights groups have raised alarms over the lack of housing, food, and medical support available to returnees. Amnesty International recently reported that more than 2.6 million Afghans have been unlawfully expelled from Iran and Pakistan in 2025 alone, with women and children making up nearly 60 percent of those affected.

Returnees have voiced urgent appeals for assistance. “We ask the Islamic Emirate to pay attention to our situation. We are sick and cannot work in this cold. We need help,” one refugee told local media. Families arriving at camps have requested shelter, jobs, and supplies to survive the harsh winter conditions.

Government Response

Taliban officials stated that SIM cards and limited aid packages were distributed to some families upon arrival. However, humanitarian groups argue that these measures fall far short of addressing the scale of need.

Deputy spokesperson Mullah Hamdullah Fitrat acknowledged the crisis, noting that the government is coordinating with local authorities to manage the influx. Yet, observers warn that Afghanistan’s fragile economy and ongoing instability leave little capacity to absorb such large numbers of returnees.

Regional Context

Both Iran and Pakistan have intensified deportations in recent months, citing domestic pressures and security concerns. Pakistan, in particular, has carried out mass expulsions of undocumented Afghans, despite calls from the United Nations to halt forced returns.

Outlook

With winter temperatures dropping and humanitarian aid stretched thin, the sudden arrival of thousands of displaced Afghans poses a severe challenge. Analysts warn that without immediate international support, the crisis could deepen, leaving families vulnerable to hunger, disease, and exposure.

Summary: Over 5,500 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Iran and Pakistan in a single day, adding to the more than 2.6 million deportations recorded in 2025. The mass returns have sparked urgent appeals for humanitarian assistance as Afghanistan struggles to provide shelter and resources amid worsening winter conditions.