The most recent development regarding the Afghan refugee crisis is the return of nearly 150,000 Afghans from Pakistan and Iran in 2026, as reported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) (Dawn, February 14, 2026). This adds to the 5.4 million Afghans who have returned since October 2023, exacerbating Afghanistan's already dire humanitarian situation. The UNHCR highlights that the rapid influx is causing severe strain on Afghanistan's fragile economy, with the World Bank noting a 4% decline in GDP per capita in 2025 due to rapid population growth. The agency also reports that more than 90% of returnees live on less than $5 a day, and over half lack civil documentation, which complicates their reintegration (Dawn, February 14, 2026). The UNHCR underscores the urgency of scaling up assistance to support these returnees, particularly in the face of harsh winter conditions.