Around two million Afghan nationals are still living in Pakistan, despite more than 1.8 million returns to Afghanistan since the launch of the government’s repatriation drive, according to the latest data released by UNHCR.
The figures highlight the scale of displacement management challenges facing Pakistan amid heightened border controls and regional instability.
Large-Scale Returns Recorded in 2025
UNHCR statistics show that 171,055 Afghans returned in November alone, with 37,899 individuals deported via key border crossings including Torkham Border, Chaman Border, and Barabcha.
In the same month, over 31,500 Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders were repatriated through UN-managed return centres.
Border Tensions Disrupt Humanitarian Work
Rising Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions in November temporarily disrupted humanitarian operations, restricted cross-border movement, and forced UN agencies to relocate staff from the Chaman border area.
Despite these challenges, UNHCR and its partners continued providing essential services, including:
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Women and girls’ safe spaces
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Child-friendly centres
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Legal assistance
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Mental health and psychosocial support
Refugee Villages De-Notified Nationwide
As part of the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP), the government has de-notified all 54 Afghan refugee villages across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Punjab.
Health and education facilities in these settlements are gradually being handed over to provincial authorities.
Phased Repatriation Under IFRP
Launched in September 2023, the IFRP has progressed in three phases:
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Phase 1 & 2: Targeted undocumented Afghans and Afghan Citizenship Card holders
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Phase 3 (Sept 2025): Focused on PoR card holders
So far, over 1.82 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan under the programme.
Students Granted Temporary Relief
UNHCR is urging Pakistan to grant formal exemptions to Afghan students enrolled in universities. While no official policy has been announced yet, university students are currently being exempted from deportation under the IFRP.
Why this matters:
The situation underscores Pakistan’s humanitarian burden, border security concerns, and the need for balanced refugee policies amid ongoing regional instability.
