ISLAMABAD: Nearly 2.8 million Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan in 2025 from neighboring countries, primarily Pakistan and Iran, according to the latest update issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The UN refugee agency warned that the large-scale return has placed immense pressure on already stretched humanitarian resources, as Afghanistan continues to grapple with economic instability, limited public services, recurring natural disasters, and an increasingly fragile human rights environment.
Pakistan Remains a Major Source of Returns
According to UNHCR data, more than 931,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan between April 1 and December 13, 2025.
Of these returnees:
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52% were undocumented individuals
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46% held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards
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2% were asylum seekers
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Around 15% were deported, while the rest returned voluntarily
The movement reflects a combination of policy changes, economic pressures, and reduced support services in refugee-hosting areas.
Women and Children Face Heightened Risks
UNHCR expressed serious concerns over protection risks, particularly for women and girls, citing restrictions on education, employment, and access to basic rights in Afghanistan. The agency stressed that many returnees face uncertain living conditions, limited livelihoods, and restricted access to healthcare and education.
“Regardless of legal status, many returning Afghans are vulnerable to rights violations and humanitarian hardship,” the agency noted.
Funding Shortfall Threatens Relief Efforts
The refugee agency highlighted a critical funding gap, revealing that only 37% of the required $478 million for Afghanistan’s humanitarian response in 2025 has been secured so far.
To address growing needs, UNHCR has issued a regional appeal of $258.6 million, urging the international community to step up support for emergency shelter, food assistance, healthcare, and reintegration services.
Services Scaled Back in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Meanwhile, authorities in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have reportedly begun reducing services in some Afghan refugee villages, a move aimed at encouraging voluntary repatriation. Humanitarian organizations caution that such steps should be accompanied by safe, dignified, and sustainable return mechanisms.
A Growing Regional Challenge
With Afghanistan among the world’s most underfunded humanitarian crises, UNHCR warned that continued large-scale returns without adequate international support could worsen instability, not only within Afghanistan but across the wider region.
The agency reiterated its call for shared responsibility, urging donor countries to increase funding and ensure that returnees are supported with dignity, safety, and long-term solutions.
Quick Facts
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Total Afghans returned in 2025: ~2.8 million
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Returned from Pakistan: 931,700
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Deported from Pakistan: ~135,200
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Funding received: 37% of $478m required
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New UNHCR appeal: $258.6m
