IOM: Returns of Afghan Migrants From Pakistan Continue at High Levels Sial.Yousofi Tue, 05/19/2026 - 09:31 Author Sial Yousofi Profile Photo Author Job Correspondent Afghanistan The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in its latest report, says that the return and deportation of Afghan migrants from Pakistan to Afghanistan continued at a high level during the first quarter of 2026, despite the impact of crossings closures. According to the report, a total of 174,972 Afghans returned to Afghanistan during this period, of whom 89 percent returned voluntarily, while 11 percent were deported. The report adds that although the number of returnees decreased by 53 percent compared to the previous quarter, the level of returns remained high due to the continued implementation of the Government of Pakistan’s “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.” According to the IOM, fear of arrest remains the primary reason for returning to Afghanistan.