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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Pakistan’s FM provides key insights into cross-border migration trends, returning Afghan nationals to Afghanistan, their profiles, mobility patterns, routes, vulnerabilities, demographics and other social characteristics. Between 16 and 31 January 2026, DTM border monitors (BMs) interviewed 1,432 heads of households through a Flow Monitoring Registry (FMR) form, while 38,201 Afghan returnees were identified through five border crossing points (BCPs).
- Since 1 April 2025, 1,155,208 Afghan nationals have returned, of which 158,439 (14%) were deported.
- During the reporting period, returns (-2%) decreased and deportations (7%) increased compared to the first two weeks of January (1 – 15 January 2025). The decline in returns is likely linked to seasonal factors, as return movements typically slow during the winter period, while the increase in deportations may reflect short-term operational shifts, such as an increase in arrests.
- Fear of arrest (99%) remains the most important reason among respondents to return to Afghanistan.
- Cumulatively, since 15 September 2023, 2,009,241 individuals have returned to Afghanistan. Sixty per cent (1,203,250 individuals) of this total have returned since 1 January 2025.