More than 11,800 Afghan refugees were forcibly repatriated from Pakistan and Iran within a 24-hour period, an official from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) confirmed on Sunday.

The sharp influx highlights the continuing mass return of Afghans from neighboring countries amid tightening restrictions and deportation campaigns.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the IEA, shared data from the High Commission for Addressing Migrants’ Issues on his X account, reporting that 2,102 families—totaling 11,855 individuals—returned to Afghanistan on Saturday.

According to the commission’s report, the returnees re-entered the country through multiple border points, including Islam Qala in Herat, Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, and the Torkham crossing in Nangarhar.

Fitrat noted that 2,287 returnee families (13,246 people) were transported onward to their home provinces to facilitate resettlement, while 1,760 individuals received humanitarian assistance such as food, basic supplies, and temporary support services.

Authorities also distributed approximately 1,060 SIM cards from Afghan telecommunication networks to help the returnees reestablish communication after re-entering the country.

The latest repatriations come shortly after an earlier wave in which 4,268 Afghan refugees were forcibly returned from Iran and Pakistan, underscoring the mounting pressure on Afghans living abroad.

Afghanistan continues to face a complex humanitarian situation as thousands of returning families struggle with limited resources, unemployment challenges, and the need for housing, reintegration, and long-term support. The IEA says it is coordinating with local authorities and aid agencies to manage the growing influx of returnees. (ILKHA)