The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is deeply concerned about the escalating cross-border hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan and their growing humanitarian impact on civilians and people on the move.
The ongoing military confrontation along the Durand Line has reportedly resulted in civilian casualties, damage to critical infrastructure, and the displacement of nearly 66,000 people in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan. These developments risk further displacement, accelerating returns, and exacerbating vulnerabilities in communities that are already overstretched and under-resourced.
Afghanistan is facing one of the largest returnee-related displacement crises globally, with more than five million returnees recorded over the past two years, including 2.6 million in 2025 alone. Any additional conflict-driven displacement or sudden large-scale returns would place severe strain on local services, border infrastructure, and host communities, further eroding the already limited response capacity.
IOM also confirms that at least one of its transit centres in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan has sustained significant collateral damage amid the recent hostilities. Border operations at Torkham and Bahramcha have been suspended due to security concerns, restricting humanitarian access and the delivery of assistance at a time when needs are rapidly increasing.
Even in non-crisis contexts, returnees arriving at border points are often in need of basic services, shelter support, protection, and access to community support networks. During periods of active conflict, these vulnerabilities increase sharply.
Heightened tensions also raise the risk of increased displacement, deportations and spontaneous returns from neighbouring countries, placing further pressure on border provinces and humanitarian systems.
The escalation has also severely affected internally displaced families in Kunar province, many of whom were uprooted by the recent earthquake and were living in temporary settlements. Cross-border shelling, evacuation directives, and restricted humanitarian access have further increased the threat of secondary displacement, as many families have no safe relocation options or viable areas of return. These restrictions have also delayed the delivery of essential assistance, further exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, particularly for women and girls.
IOM stresses that the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and facilities must be upheld at all times. Safe, sustained, and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential to ensure the continuation of lifesaving assistance.
IOM's priority remains the safety, dignity, and protection of affected populations on both sides of the border. The Organization remains committed to supporting those impacted by displacement and return in close coordination with partners and authorities, as security conditions permit.
