Afghanistan Peace CampaignHe also noted that 30% of returning families are female-headed, and more than half of the returnees are women and children.
The UNHCR representative told TOLOnews that since December 2023, over 4.8 million Afghan migrants have returned to the country an influx that has increased Afghanistan’s population by 12%.
According to Arafat Jamal, on one working day during the summer alone, 70,000 individuals entered the country via the Islam Qala border. He added that 91% of the returnees have been relocated to their home provinces, while the rest have started new lives in major cities.
Arafat Jamal, UNHCR Representative, stated: “The numbers are huge. Since September 2023, which is when we saw the beginning of the so-called illegal foreigners repatriation plan by Pakistan, we have seen 4.8 million Afghans return to this country from both Pakistan and from Iran. And if we look at 2025 alone, it’s 2.7 million. If you look at the number of 4.8 million, this is around 12% of the total population of Afghanistan. So it’s increased by 12% of its population.”
He also noted that 30% of returning families are female-headed, and more than half of the returnees are women and children.
Jamal added: “More than 50% of the returnees are women and children. This is deeply concerning. I personally feel distressed when I see a 12-year-old girl returning to Afghanistan, uncertain about what her future will look like.”
Jamal criticized the manner in which Afghan migrants are being expelled from Iran and Pakistan, arguing that such actions hinder the building of constructive ties between these countries and Afghanistan.
He urged both nations not to tarnish their decades-long record of hosting Afghan refugees.
He further revealed that the UN had invited stakeholders to sit down at the negotiating table to address the forced deportation of Afghan migrants, but these invitations were declined.
Arafat Jamal explained: “This year, we once again tried to bring parties to the table for dialogue. However, due to various reasons, including the war in Israel and other political matters they did not engage in talks. Iran recently hosted a conference which Afghanistan did not attend, but we still sent invitations urging all parties to return to the dialogue table. We encourage them to do so. In dialogue, there is nothing to lose but much to gain.”
He added that the mission of the UNHCR in Afghanistan is to ensure the voluntary, dignified, and orderly return of Afghan migrants.
The UN refugee agency is also striving to make returnees a driving force for peace, stability, and economic development in the country.