Over 18,000 Afghans Return To Afghanistan From Islamabad And Rawalpindi In January

On Wednesday, February 19, the IOM published a report stating that 9,846 individuals returned to Afghanistan during the second half of January alone. The returnees filed relevant forms related to their repatriation to Afghanistan between January 16 and 31, with 291 heads of families completing the forms.

According to the report, from September 2023 to date, a total of 824,568 individuals have returned to Afghanistan, with 18,577 people making the journey back in January, representing two percent of the total number of returnees.

The report also highlighted that these refugees returned through border crossings, including Torkham, Chaman, Ghulam Khan, Badini, and Berramcha. The data shows that 46% of returnees were between the ages of 18 and 59, while 30% were between the ages of 5 and 17.

The IOM specified that 78% of Afghan migrants left Pakistan due to fear of arrest by the Pakistani police. Additionally, 34% of these migrants cited the inability to pay rent as a reason for their return to Afghanistan.

In recent weeks, Pakistan has intensified the detention and expulsion of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This escalation has led to an increased number of returnees, contributing to a rising trend in migration patterns.

The ongoing return of Afghan refugees is a significant reflection of the deteriorating conditions faced by Afghan migrants in neighboring countries. As expulsions increase, many are forced to return to Afghanistan, where the situation remains challenging.

The international community must continue to monitor these developments and support efforts to ensure the safety and stability of returning migrants. Providing assistance for their reintegration into Afghan society will be essential for alleviating the hardships these individuals face.

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