disaster
Iran-Afghanistan - Returns Emergency Response #31 (as of 27 June 2026)
By UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
Countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan . Context Large-scale returns of Afghans from Pakistan continue to add pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian and protection environment. Nearly two years since the initial announcement of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, the impact of these
Key takeaway The Torkham border point – the largest crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan, accounting for some 80% of all returns prior to the crisis – was partially re-opened on 31 March.
Why this matters
The ongoing returns of Afghans from Pakistan to Afghanistan pose significant challenges for humanitarian organizations and faith-based groups providing relief in the region. With nearly 1.5 million returns since 2025, the strain on Afghanistan's resources and infrastructure is considerable, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The partial reopening of the Torkham border point in March has allowed for some returns to resume, but ensuring the safety and dignity of these movements remains a pressing concern. Christian charities and ECFA-accredited nonprofits operating in the region will need to adapt their response efforts to address the unique needs of returnees, particularly women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the crisis. As tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan continue to escalate, the role of faith-based organizations in providing critical assistance and advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations will be crucial in mitigating the humanitarian fallout.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan . Context Large-scale returns of Afghans from Pakistan continue to add pressure on Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian and protection environment. Nearly two years since the initial announcement of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan, the impact of these
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .