Over 96,000 Afghans Leave for Iran and Pakistan in Just One Week

More than 96,000 people left Afghanistan between August 25 and August 31, according to a report from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amu TV reported yesterday. The report reveals that 67,944 individuals crossed into Iran, while 28,578 traveled to Pakistan. In contrast, 63,540 people returned to Afghanistan from these countries, highlighting a significant outflow as the number of departures exceeded returns by 34 percent.

The IOM attributes this trend, in part, to the religious holiday of Arbaeen in Iran, which may have delayed some Afghan migrants’ return. Notably, both outbound and inbound migration rose by 14 percent compared to the previous week, with a remarkable 59 percent increase in those heading to Iran, who accounted for 70 percent of all departures.

This surge reflects ongoing instability in Afghanistan, prompting many to seek safety and economic opportunities in neighboring nations.