United Nations says : Forced deportation of over 2.1 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan.

December 19, 2025

Kabul: According to the United Nations, approximately 2.17 million Afghan citizens have been forcibly deported from Iran and Pakistan so far, of whom more than 60 percent are children. This has put a severe strain on Afghanistan’s child protection, education, and health services.

Afghanistan facing one of the largest displacement crises: UNDP

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) stated that Afghanistan is currently grappling with one of the world’s largest displacement and return crises. The forced deportation of Afghans by Iran and Pakistan has exacerbated the situation.

According to the UNDP, as of October 9, approximately 2.17 million Afghan citizens, the majority of whom are children, have been deported from Pakistan and Iran.

Increased Pressure on Weak Infrastructure and Services

The UNDP warned that the large number of returnees has placed an additional burden on Afghanistan’s already fragile essential services, such as housing, water, sanitation, health, and food security. This situation poses a significant threat to long-term stability for a country already reeling from years of conflict and economic collapse.

The organization also stated that economic sanctions, poverty, gender inequality, and the deportation of refugees from neighboring countries have all increased Afghanistan’s vulnerability.

Allegations of Harassment of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

In early November, many Afghan refugees living in Pakistan reported facing constant police pressure, searches, arrests, and illegal extortion.

A report in the Afghan newspaper 8AM Media (Hasht-e-Subh Daily) stated that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are denied basic human rights and are forced to live in an environment of fear and uncertainty.

Extortion by people in plainclothes and a climate of fear

According to the report, in addition to official arrests of Afghan refugees without visas, people in plainclothes extort money from migrants in residential areas. Some are released on the spot after receiving money, while others are taken to police checkpoints in private vehicles.
An Afghan citizen said, “The situation is extremely painful. People don’t know whether the people arresting them are police or criminals. Anyone can kidnap or rob them in the name of police and no one will hear the story.”

Appeal to the international community for help

UNDP has urged the international community to assist returnees, rebuild damaged infrastructure, and strengthen livelihoods. It has warned that if timely action is not taken, poverty, instability, and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan could worsen.