Sharp Rise in Afghan Migrant Returns from Pakistan and Iran

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says that the number of returnees from Pakistan in the first quarter of 2026 was fifteen times higher than in the same period in 2025.

In its latest report, the organization added that the number of Afghan returnees from Pakistan rose from 2,320 to more than 42,000 in just the past two weeks.

The report states that this sharp increase followed the reopening of the Torkham and Spin Boldak crossings for returning migrants.

The report notes: “Overall, the number of returnees from Pakistan in the first quarter of 2026 was fifteen times higher than in the same period in 2025.”

Meanwhile, returns from Iran have also increased by 56 percent; however, on a year-on-year basis, the overall figure is still 30 percent lower than in 2025.

According to the report, most returns from Iran were recorded through the Pul-e-Abrisham (Milak) and Islam Qala border crossings.

The report states: “The Pul-e-Abrisham (Milak) crossing experienced a significant increase, with arrivals rising by 81 percent, while Islam Qala recorded a 43 percent increase compared to the previous reporting period.”

This comes as, following rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, the situation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan is worsening day by day.

On the other hand, joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have also affected Afghan migrants in that country, with more than 20 Afghan migrants reportedly killed in these attacks.