'I've never been to Afghanistan': Six million deportees forced to start over under the Taliban

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Afghanistan is facing an enormous return flow as people expelled from Pakistan and Iran arrive at crossings such as Torkham, where many have little money, no housing and uncertain legal status. The story centers on families like Nazia’s, who were born in Pakistan and are now being sent to Afghanistan despite having never lived there. BBC says some returnees have come back after decades abroad, while others are being deported under broader crackdowns that aid groups say are affecting more than just undocumented migrants.

The UN refugee agency, cited by BBC, says another million people have been forced back from Pakistan and Iran so far this year, bringing the total return movement to about six million in a little under three years. The report says Pakistan and Iran argue that Afghans should go home, citing security and economic concerns, while human rights groups have described raids, arrests and harassment in Pakistan. The BBC also notes that Iran’s deportations accelerated after its conflict in June 2025.

BBC describes severe strains inside Afghanistan, where aid agencies are providing temporary shelter but cannot meet the scale of need. Returnees interviewed by the broadcaster expressed fear about work, safety and women’s and girls’ rights under Taliban rule. Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi acknowledged the need for help but said international issues such as girls’ education are internal matters. The wider context is Afghanistan’s deep humanitarian crisis, with UN agencies warning that tens of millions need assistance and that child malnutrition remains acute.