IOM: 53,565 Afghans Returned From Pakistan in 15 Days

DID Press: More than 53,000 Afghan nationals returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan during the first 15 days of July 2026, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The IOM said at least 53,565 Afghans crossed into Afghanistan through five border crossings during the period.

The number of returnees increased by 37 percent compared with the second half of June, while the number of deportees rose by 136 percent, according to the agency.

Overall, nearly 2.6 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan between September 15, 2023, and July 15, 2026.

The IOM said security pressures and fears of arrest remain among the main factors driving Afghans to leave Pakistan. In its survey, 96 percent of respondents cited the fear of arrest as the main reason for returning to Afghanistan.