Over 127,000 Afghans Return from Iran and Pakistan in Late April, IOM Reports

More than 127,000 Afghans returned to the country from Iran and Pakistan during the second half of April, according to data from the International Organization for Migration. The figure represents a twofold increase compared to the same period last year and has intensified pressure on major border crossings.

The International Organization for Migration reported that returns from Pakistan rose by 117 percent, with more than 90,000 individuals crossing at the Torkham border. Arrivals from Iran increased by 142 percent, accounting for approximately 35,000 people. Adult men constitute the largest demographic among returnees, representing 80 percent of arrivals from Iran and 53 percent from Pakistan, while women and children make up smaller portions of the total.

Since the beginning of 2025, approximately 3.3 million Afghans have returned from neighboring countries, including over two million from Iran and nearly 1.3 million from Pakistan. The sustained wave of repatriations has prompted concerns among returnees regarding security and livelihood challenges following forced deportations.

The economic impact of the population surge has also drawn attention from international financial institutions. The World Bank stated that the rapid increase in the domestic population has contributed to a 5.6 percent decline in Afghanistan’s per capita income. Local authorities and humanitarian agencies continue to monitor the situation as border crossings manage the ongoing logistical demands of the returning population.