Afghans deported from Pakistan and Iran return to Afghanistan
Summary
Six million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan and Iran in under three years, according to UNHCR, as undocumented and registered Afghans face expulsions.
Digest
01 SEP 2026 — At Torkham, Afghan returnees arriving from Pakistan describe displacement, poverty and uncertainty. Nazia, born in Pakistan, says she has never been to Afghanistan; much of her family was deported from Pakistan or Iran. UNHCR spokesperson Charlie Goodlake says six million people have returned in under three years, calling it a return movement not seen on this scale in recent history. Many arrive at shelters near the border with few possessions and no place to live. Returnee Sarwar describes grief at being forced from Pakistan but also relief from police harassment. Pakistan’s foreign ministry says measures are taken to prevent harassment and that reported incidents are handled under the law. Pakistan and Iran say Afghans must leave, citing security risks and financial burdens. Human Rights Watch reported raids and arrests in Pakistan, while the Centre for Human Rights in Iran accused Iran of portraying Afghan migrants as spies. UNHCR says returns should be voluntary, safe and dignified. Returnees fear poverty, Taliban restrictions on women and girls, and retaliation against former Afghan officials. Pakistan has temporarily exempted 16,000 vulnerable Afghans, while sources estimate 250,000 remain at risk. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi acknowledges the need for help. The UN estimates 21.9 million people in Afghanistan need assistance, and UNICEF says one million children face life-threatening malnutrition.
Production
Retrieved by Penrose Prima Facie v1.0. Summarized by gpt-5.6-luna.
NOTHING FOLLOWS