Nearly Two Million Afghans Remain in Pakistan Despite Large-Scale Returns

According to the latest data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), although more than one million Afghans returned to their country in 2025, nearly two million Afghan nationals still reside in Pakistan.

Pakistani media, citing the UNHCR, have reported that over 171,000 Afghans returned to Afghanistan in November alone. Among them, nearly 38,000 were forcibly expelled through the Chaman and Torkham border crossings.

The UNHCR has also warned that tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have disrupted humanitarian aid efforts and imposed severe restrictions on border movements.

This situation persists while many returnees, especially in Afghanistan’s border areas, face shortages of basic services and lack livelihood opportunities. This issue increasingly highlights the Taliban administration’s responsibility to provide minimum living conditions and support for the returnees.