IOM: Pressure on Afghan Migrants in Pakistan Remains High

DID Press: International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that Afghan migrants in Pakistan continue to face significant pressure, with returns—both voluntary and forced—remaining ongoing amid worsening living conditions.

In a new report, the agency said that more than 174,000 Afghan migrants returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan in the first quarter of 2026, indicating that return movements continue despite fluctuations compared with previous periods.

The IOM noted that a significant share of these returns is driven by stricter immigration enforcement policies in Pakistan, with fear of arrest emerging as a major factor influencing decisions to leave.

According to survey findings, 98% of respondents cited fear of detention as the primary reason for returning. Economic hardship also played a key role, with 69% reporting debt and financial pressure as decisive factors.

The report further indicates that many returnees seek to reunite with family members and access humanitarian assistance upon arrival in Afghanistan. In this context, 71% identified family reunification and 65% cited aid support as their main reasons for choosing where to settle.

The IOM warned that the situation for Afghan migrants in Pakistan remains fragile, adding that continued pressure and restrictions could trigger further waves of returns in the coming months.