The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has marked a significant milestone in its efforts to support Afghan refugees, having assisted over one million individuals returning from Pakistan and Iran since September 2023. This development comes as the Pakistani government launches the second phase of its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, expected to impact approximately 1.6 million undocumented Afghan migrants by 2025. According to the IOM, more than 2.43 million Afghan refugees have returned from Pakistan and Iran during this period, with a staggering 54% of them being forcibly returned.
The IOM’s assistance has been crucial in providing humanitarian support to these returnees, with fear of arrest being the primary reason for their return, cited by 93% of the individuals. Other factors contributing to their decision include sectarian pressure and the deportation of family members. The majority of returnees have come from provinces in Pakistan, including Punjab, Balochistan, and Sindh, with most heading to provinces near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Nangarhar.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with a recent surge in forced returns recorded between April 1-13, 2025, witnessing nearly 60,000 individuals entering Afghanistan through key border crossings. In response, the IOM and its partners have called on countries to immediately halt forced returns until conditions are in place to ensure safe, dignified, and voluntary repatriation. As the situation continues to unfold, the IOM’s commitment to supporting these vulnerable populations remains unwavering, with a focus on providing essential humanitarian assistance to those in need.
