Before the final US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan on Aug. 31, the prevailing fear and uncertainty had made many people leave their homes even before Kabul fell to the Taliban. Around 60,000 Afghan families sought refuge in the capital city, and as soon as the Taliban took over, large crowds started thronging Kabul airport to try and leave the country.

Having taken the most refugees during previous conflicts in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan are also bearing the brunt of the current exodus. In an attempt to stave off the rapid influx of refugees...