United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced Tuesday that the U.N. is coordinating with Pakistan to ensure that the return of Afghan migrants is conducted in a “voluntary, safe and dignified way.” The commitment follows intensified efforts by Islamabad to repatriate undocumented individuals, a process that has seen millions of Afghans depart Pakistan amid a severe humanitarian crisis in their home country.
U.N. Coordination on Repatriation Principles
Speaking at a joint news conference in Islamabad alongside Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Guterres emphasized the necessity of upholding protection principles for migrants. While acknowledging Pakistan’s long history of hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations, the Secretary-General stressed that security measures must remain consistent with international law and human rights, according to reports.
The U.N. is currently monitoring the impact of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” initiated by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry in late 2023. This plan has led to the deportation of large numbers of Afghans, including those who had lived in Pakistan for decades or were born there. reports that since the initiative began, approximately 2.4 million Afghans have either returned voluntarily or been deported.
Humanitarian Risks for Returnees
The mass movement of people back to Afghanistan coincides with an economic and humanitarian collapse. The U.N. reports that in 2026 alone, approximately 776,000 Afghans have returned to their home country. Many of these individuals face significant protection risks and struggle to access essential services, including food, healthcare, and adequate housing.
Asadullah Safi, a 30-year-old who was born in Pakistan, shared his experience of being forced to leave a refugee camp near Peshawar City. He stated that his family’s home was destroyed by security forces, leaving them in hiding. Safi noted that returnees face a dire situation in Afghanistan, where basic services are scarce and restrictions on girls’ education remain in place.
As international aid levels decline, the ability of Afghanistan to absorb large-scale returns remains a critical point of concern for aid officials and former diplomats.
Border Clashes and Pakistani Airstrikes Strain Regional Security
reports that recent months have seen border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan, which Islamabad claims are targeted at militant hideouts. Pakistan asserts that groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan pose a significant security threat, a claim the Taliban administration has rejected.
Looking ahead, the situation remains fluid.
Afghans Face Severe Crises After Returning to Afghanistan from Pakistan
How many Afghans are still residing in Pakistan?
According to the U.N., approximately 1.6 million Afghans are currently living in Pakistan. This figure includes 160,000 individuals classified as undocumented refugees.
What challenges do returnees face upon arriving in Afghanistan?
Returnees face a severe humanitarian and economic crisis, including restricted access to food, water, healthcare, and housing. The U.N. notes that many face human rights violations and protection risks, while girls' schools remain closed under current restrictions.
What is the status of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan”?
Launched in late 2023, the plan mandates the deportation of undocumented immigrants and refugees. Since its inception, more than 2.68 million Afghans have returned between September 2023 and August of this year, with some facing the cancellation of temporary documents and arrest.
As the international community monitors these developments, how can host nations and humanitarian organizations best balance national security concerns with the fundamental rights of long-term refugee populations?
Worth a look