In brief
Xinhua reports that more than 1.3 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan from neighboring Iran and Pakistan during 2026. The International Organization for Migration says the sudden influx strains local housing and services, urging donors to close an $8.8 million funding gap for emergency shelter and winter supplies. The organization calls for urgent aid before harsh weather isolates vulnerable groups.
Xinhua, quoting the International Organization for Migration (IOM), said Saturday that over 1.3 million Afghans have crossed into Afghanistan from Iran and Pakistan in 2026, a surge that has begun to overwhelm local infrastructures.
The IOM stated that the new wave of returnees is arriving in communities that already struggle with inadequate housing and essential services, and that the incoming numbers are poised to worsen the situation as winter approaches.
Mihyung Park, IOM's Chief of Mission in Afghanistan, warned:
Families are returning to communities where housing and basic services are already under severe strain. Winter is now adding another urgent need.
Park implored donors to act, saying that funding is needed
