ISLAMABAD: Nearly 150,000 Afghans have returned home from Pakistan and Iran so far in 2026, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said on Friday. These returns add to over 5.4 million Afghans who went back to Afghanistan from the same countries since October 2023. UNHCR notes that many are returning or forced to return under very tough conditions. This large and fast return is pushing Afghanistan deeper into crisis. The country faces worsening humanitarian and human rights problems, especially for women and girls. The economy is fragile and natural disasters continue. A recent World Bank report found that rapid population growth due to these returns caused a 4% drop in GDP per capita in 2025. The arrivals this year are worrying, especially with harsh winter conditions causing freezing temperatures and heavy snow. UNHCR’s survey of returnees shows many challenges. Just over half found some kind of work, often informal. For women, less than a quarter could find work. More than half of returnee families have no official ID documents. Over 90% live on less than $5 a day. The UN refugee agency said, "We are deeply concerned about the sustainability of these returns." Although only 5% of returnees want to leave Afghanistan again, over 10% know someone who already left again after returning. UNHCR said these moves are not from choice but because many cannot rebuild a decent life. The group plans to support returnees with protection, housing, and livelihood help, especially for women. UNHCR also monitors the region closely as asylum space shrinks and safe migration routes close. UNHCR added, "We remain prepared to respond to population movements into Afghanistan, while also continuing to call on states to uphold access to asylum, protect and assist Afghan refugees, and ensure that no one is returned to a place where their rights and freedoms are at risk." With Afghanistan’s growing population and dire situation, extra aid is urgently needed in 2026 to help returnees rebuild with dignity and hope.