Millions of Afghans, many of whom have never set foot in the country, are being deported from Pakistan and Iran and forced to rebuild their lives under Taliban rule. The Torkham crossing, known as "Zero Point," has become a critical point for this massive cross-border movement, marking the end of one life and the beginning of another.

These expulsions represent the largest cross-border movement of people globally in recent history. Afghans have sought refuge and employment in Pakistan and Iran for decades, with numbers increasing significantly after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. However, a crackdown on undocumented migrants in both neighboring countries has led to widespread deportations.

According to the UN's Refugee Agency (UNHCR), approximately one million Afghans have been forced to return this year alone. "In a little under three years, we've seen six million people... come back to Afghanistan," stated Charlie Goodlake, UNHCR spokesperson in Afghanistan. He emphasized the unprecedented scale of this return movement, describing a "desolate landscape of tarpaulin and plastic shelters" erected by aid agencies to house arrivals with nowhere else to go.

Many returnees, like 35-year-old Nazia, were born in Pakistan and have no prior connection to Afghanistan. "I've never been to Afghanistan before and many people here don't even have enough bread to eat," Nazia expressed as she headed towards registration counters adorned with Taliban flags. Her family, including eight sisters and their children, were deported this year alone.

Sarwar, who arrived with seven brothers and their families after living in Pakistan for 45 years, expressed heartbreak at being forced from his home but also relief from harassment by Pakistani police. He left Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, and most of his brothers were born in Pakistan.

The security sweep by Pakistan and Iran is reportedly extending beyond undocumented migrants to include registered Afghans as well. Pakistan has publicly stated that Afghans holding Proof of Registration cards are not exempt from these expulsions.

The scale of the returnees poses a significant challenge to Afghanistan's already strained resources. Aid agencies are working to provide temporary shelter and support, but the long-term implications for reintegration and economic stability remain a major concern.

Unresolved questions linger regarding the future of these returnees, their access to basic necessities, and the potential for social and economic integration into a country grappling with its own internal challenges.