Published on: 2026-07-18
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 18, 2026 Refugees and Migrants
Thirty-five-year-old Shakhnaz, a mother of seven children, has considered Afghanistan her homeland since childhood, but she only knew about it from her parents’ stories. She was born and raised in Pakistan in a family of Afghans who left their country forty years ago. This year, she set foot on her ancestors’ land for the first time. Shakhnaz’s story spans three generations whose lives were changed by forced displacement.
The life that had to be left behind in Pakistan
In Pakistan, Shahnaz lived without documents, but she earned a decent income from sewing, and her husband ran a small shop. Together they raised seven children and hoped for a better future. However, the family had to return to Afghanistan, and all these plans collapsed. The move deprived them of their savings, sources of income, and the life they had built over decades.
“We have always considered Afghanistan our real home,” says Shahnaz. “But we have to start everything from scratch here.”
Shahnaz’s eldest daughter, Asma, is 13 years old. After moving to Afghanistan, she helps take care of her younger brothers and sisters. Despite the uncertainty and restrictions that the laws in Afghanistan impose on girls, Asma is making plans for the future – she dreams of becoming a professional driver and already knows exactly which car she wants to drive.
Her younger brothers and sisters, due to their age, are not yet able to comprehend what is happening and are simply getting used to unfamiliar streets and life in a new place.
© IOM/A. Tsybko In Pakistan, Shahnaz and her husband raised seven children and hoped for a better future.
Homeland, known only from stories
Gathering around the table, the senior members of the Shahnaz family often reminisced about life in Afghanistan. They talked about the mountains, villages, and local traditions. Now Shahnaz is discovering all of this for themselves, and the memories of their grandparents and parents help them adjust more quickly to the new place of residence.
Like many refugees returning to Afghanistan, the Shahnaz family still needs to find permanent housing and sources of livelihood. They need clothing, as well as access to medical care, and the children need to attend school. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) helps refugees returning to Afghanistan start their lives anew.
In 2025, more than a million Afghans returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan, creating additional pressure on local communities and humanitarian services across the country.
At border crossing points and transit centers, IOM provides people with hot meals, temporary accommodation, financial assistance, transportation, medical services, as well as essential items.
Despite numerous difficulties, Shahnaz hopes that in her new location she will be able to give her children what was so lacking in Pakistan – the opportunity to grow up as full members of the society in a country they have always considered their home.
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