Afghan Refugee Moms at the Torkham Border: Stories of Strength and Survival

Mothers on the Frontlines of the Torkham Border Crisis

At the heart of the ongoing refugee crisis at the Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan are women—particularly Afghan refugee moms—who embody unimaginable strength. Displaced from their homes, separated from loved ones, and faced with the uncertainty of survival, these women are not only enduring but also leading, protecting, and rebuilding. Their stories offer a window into the silent resilience shaping the future of displaced Afghan communities.

Amid growing deportations and humanitarian neglect, the world must listen. This blog brings you three emotional yet powerful stories of Afghan mothers—Gulab Bibi, Meena, and Tanzilaa—whose daily courage in the face of poverty, loss, and trauma deserves both recognition and support.

Gulab Bibi: Left With Nothing, Longing for Her Sons

When Gulab Bibi arrived at the Torkham border, she brought nothing with her—no belongings, no food, and worst of all, no family support. Her seven sons, the breadwinners of her household, were left behind in Pakistan during the deportations. Alone and aging, she now has no one to take care of her.

"We brought nothing here, so we need anything you can provide."

Her story reveals a painful truth: in the absence of male caregivers, Afghan women are often left utterly vulnerable. Gulab Bibi, like many women at the border, is caught in a system where survival is nearly impossible without a man’s presence. Her life now depends on sporadic aid and the goodwill of strangers.

Meena: A Mother's Sacrifice Amid Deep Cultural Burdens

Meena carries her disabled child—who has suffered since birth—in her arms as she navigates the chaos of displacement. Her husband, the sole breadwinner, now also supports two other widows. Following the death of his brother, Meena’s husband was expected to marry his brother’s widow to ensure she and her children were not left destitute.

"He is my husband, and now he is also a husband to another—because someone had to care for them."

This complex family structure underscores the sacrifices women like Meena make in silence. Though she shares her husband and resources, she remains resilient for her child. Meena’s story reflects how deeply women’s survival is tethered to patriarchal expectations—and yet, their strength transcends it.

Tanzilaa: A Woman Who Carries Generations

After the death of her mother-in-law, Tanzilaa became the sole caregiver for not only her own children but also the grown disabled sons of the elderly woman. With no stable income and little external help, Tanzilaa manages everything—from feeding to lifting—to care for the entire household.

“I have learned to carry two children at once—one on my back and one in my arms.”

Her story speaks volumes about the power of caregiving women. Despite facing her own vulnerabilities, Tanzilaa shoulders the responsibility of the most fragile members of her family, serving as both emotional anchor and physical provider. Afghan moms like her are unsung heroes—doing what no one else can or will.

The Bigger Picture: The Humanitarian Crisis at Torkham

According to IOM, over 600,000 Afghans have returned from Pakistan in recent months, many with no shelter or income. UNICEF and Save the Children report that women and children make up over 80% of these returnees. Malnutrition, illness, and exposure to violence are on the rise.

Despite the scope of the crisis, stories like those of Gulab Bibi, Meena, and Tanzilaa often go unheard. Yet these are the women holding broken families together with unimaginable tenacity.

How You Can Help: Share, Donate, Act

Organizations like Aseel are providing lifelines—Welcome Returnee Kits, Meal Boxes, and Shelter Packages—to families like these. But more is needed.

Call to Action:

• Donate: Support Afghan Moms
• Share: Amplify these stories on social media with hashtags like #AfghanRefugeeMoms, #TorkhamCrisis, #WomenAtTheBorder
• Create a Campaign with us and become a part of M1M Mission