As per a statement from the Taliban regime, 868 families, totaling 1,847 individuals, were deported to Afghanistan via various border crossings. Among them, 772 families with 1,479 people returned through the Torkham border crossing. Additionally, nine families returned through Spin Boldak, 47 through Nimroz, and 40 through Islam Qala in Herat.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported a significant number of Afghan migrants being deported from Pakistan in the first quarter of 2026. During this period, 174,972 Afghans returned to their homeland, with 89% returning voluntarily and 11% being deported. The report highlighted a 53% reduction in returnees compared to the previous quarter.
The primary reasons cited for the return to Afghanistan included the fear of arrest and financial debt, according to the IOM report. Family reunification and the availability of assistance were also significant factors influencing the decision to return. Notably, a quarter of household heads had previously resided in refugee camps before coming back to Afghanistan.
Pakistan has been criticized by human rights organizations and the United Nations for its continuous deportation of undocumented Afghans since 2023. Despite the criticism, Pakistan has persisted with the implementation of the “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.”
