Have Pakistan and Iran Forcibly Deported Over 10,000 Afghan Refugees in Just Two Days?
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Synopsis
Over 10,000 Afghan refugees were expelled from Pakistan and Iran in two days, raising humanitarian concerns. Afghan officials report significant detentions and forced repatriations, with organizations urging for voluntary returns. The situation is alarming as many returnees face instability and a lack of resources, prompting calls for adherence to international obligations.
Key Takeaways
- Over 10,000 Afghan refugees deported from Iran and Pakistan.
- Returnees face significant humanitarian challenges.
- UNHCR reports record detentions of Afghan migrants.
- Calls for voluntary repatriation in line with international laws.
- Major border crossings used for returns include Islam Qala and Torkham.
Kabul, Dec 13 (NationPress) In a significant development, more than 10,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly expelled from Iran and Pakistan within a mere two days, according to an Afghan official's statement on Saturday.
Deputy spokesperson for the Afghan government, Hamdullah Fitrat, reported via the High Commission for Addressing Migrants' Issues on X that on Thursday and Friday, a total of 1,939 families, amounting to 10,043 individuals, made their way back to Afghanistan.
The returnees utilized major border crossings such as Islam Qala in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, and Torkham in Nangarhar.
Fitrat further mentioned that 1,464 refugee families consisting of 8,140 individuals were settled in their respective regions, while 1,279 families received humanitarian aid, as reported by Pajhwok Afghan News.
In addition, telecommunications firms distributed 1,626 SIM cards to the repatriated individuals.
He also noted that last Wednesday, authorities in Pakistan and Iran forcibly returned 2,300 Afghan refugees.
Earlier in November, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) disclosed that Pakistan had recorded an unprecedented number of Afghan migrants detained in 2025, with the highest arrests occurring in Balochistan and Punjab provinces.
A recent UNHCR report highlighted that most detentions took place in Chagai and Quetta districts of Balochistan and Attock district of Punjab, according to Afghanistan's leading news agency, Khaama Press.
Between January 1 and mid-November 2025, Pakistani authorities detained 100,971 Afghans, a significant increase compared to approximately 9,000 arrests in 2024 and over 26,000 arrests in 2023.
UNHCR reported that 76 percent of those apprehended held Afghan Citizen Cards or were undocumented, while the remaining 24 percent possessed Proof of Registration cards.
The surge in detentions aligns with two government orders in 2025 aimed at relocating Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi, permitting police to arrest PoR card holders.
Numerous humanitarian organizations have called on Pakistan to guarantee that any repatriations are voluntary and consistent with international obligations. They cautioned that mass expulsions could destabilize the Afghanistan border, where newly returned families frequently lack housing, employment, and essential services.
Point of View
It is imperative to report on the humanitarian crisis affecting Afghan refugees. The forced deportations by Pakistan and Iran raise serious concerns about human rights and international obligations. Our commitment is to highlight these issues, ensuring that the voices of the affected are heard and that necessary actions are taken to address their needs.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Afghan refugees have been deported?
Over 10,000 Afghan refugees were forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan in the last two days.
What regions are affected by the deportations?
The deported refugees primarily returned through major border crossings in regions like Herat, Nimroz, Kandahar, Helmand, and Nangarhar.
What assistance is being provided to the returnees?
Some refugee families received humanitarian aid, and telecommunications companies distributed SIM cards to the returnees.
What has the UNHCR reported about Afghan detentions?
The UNHCR reported a record number of Afghan migrants detained in Pakistan, with significant arrests occurring in Balochistan and Punjab.
What is the humanitarian situation for returnees?
Many returnees face instability, lacking housing, employment, and essential services, prompting calls for adherence to international obligations.
