Churches around the world are being urged to pray for Afghan Christians who are facing the threat of forced return to Afghanistan from Tajikistan, where they had sought refuge.
A heartfelt message from an anonymous Afghan Christian leader, recently shared with Christian network SAT-7, described the looming deportation as sending believers "to the very mouth of death." The plea calls on the global Church to pray for those at risk and to be their voice in this critical moment.
The situation comes amid reports that Afghan nationals in Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Iran are facing increasing pressure to leave.
According to UN figures, over 1.9 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan in the past seven months. In Tajikistan, security officials are reported to have summoned groups of Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers earlier this month, notifying them that all Afghan nationals must leave the country within 15 days. Between October 2024 and July 2025, at least 485 Afghan nationals have been deported from Tajikistan, among them 334 refugees or asylum-seekers.
Tajikistan itself is a predominantly Muslim country, with approximately 90 per cent of the population following Islam. In 2009, the state passed a law to permit only government-sanctioned religious practice. Since then, the group Christian Aid has been banned from the country.
Christians make up around 0.69 per cent of the population, which equates to roughly 50,000 people.
For Afghan Christians, the risk of deportation is especially grave. Many fear that returning to Afghanistan could mean severe persecution or even death under the Taliban regime.
The Afghan Christian leader’s letter, anonymised for security reasons, describes the anguish and fear experienced by the community: “We, a community of Afghan believers, now reside in Tajikistan. Yet our situation is uncertain and filled with fear and hope mingled together. Many conflicting reports surround us – some bring fleeting comfort, while others strike terror in our hearts. Some of us face the threat of forced return – a return not to safety, but for many, to the very mouth of death.”
The message continues: “I am burdened – not only for myself, but for the families of believers here who live, worship, and pray in Jesus' name. Brothers and sisters, have you heard the cry of their suffering? As your younger brother, I earnestly plead with you: Pray for us. Remember us in your gatherings and intercessions. Write letters. Be our voice. Reach out to organisations and governments who have the ability to help. Do not let the faith of these dear ones be crushed under the weight of exile and fear.”