The accident occurred in Afghanistan’s eastern Laghman province along the Kabul-Nangarhar highway, a key transport route linking the capital Kabul with the country’s eastern regions.

The passengers were among Afghan nationals returning from neighboring Pakistan amid ongoing deportations and migration enforcement measures that have accelerated cross-border movements in recent years.

Abdul Malik Niazai, spokesperson for the Laghman provincial governor, said the truck plunged into a ditch after overturning. He reported that 10 children and five women were among those killed in the crash.

Aminullah Sharif, the provincial director of public health, confirmed the death toll at 22 and said approximately 36 people were injured. The wounded were transported to hospitals in neighboring Nangarhar province for treatment.

Officials said preliminary information indicated the driver fell asleep before the vehicle veered off the road and crashed. Authorities did not immediately provide details on the truck’s capacity or whether passengers were being transported in conditions compliant with transport regulations.

The victims were among thousands of Afghans who have recently returned from Pakistan, which launched a crackdown on undocumented migrants in 2023 and has since deported or pressured large numbers of Afghans to leave. Iran has also intensified expulsions of Afghan migrants, contributing to a sustained flow of returnees into Afghanistan.

Millions of Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran in recent years, including many who were born abroad or had spent decades living and working in the two neighboring countries.

In a separate incident, officials in eastern Nuristan province said a vehicle plunged into a river late on Friday, injuring its driver and leaving four passengers missing. Rescue teams continued search operations on Saturday.

Road accidents remain a persistent challenge across Afghanistan, where aging infrastructure, poorly maintained roads and limited enforcement of traffic regulations contribute to high rates of fatal crashes.

President Pezeshkian highlighted the deep religious, cultural, and historical bonds shared by Muslim countries and stressed the need to build stronger solidarity across the Islamic world. He called for greater collaboration between Tehran and Riyadh in political, economic, and security sectors, saying such efforts could help address regional challenges without external interference.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready to expand its ties with Saudi Arabia in all arenas,” President Pezeshkian stated during the meeting. He welcomed the idea of forming joint working groups to explore opportunities for cooperation in key areas.

The Iranian president noted that unity among Islamic countries is essential for peace, security, and lasting economic development. “Disputes and poverty do not befit the Islamic Ummah,” he said, adding that leaders in the Muslim world have the potential to set an inspiring example of peaceful coexistence and progress.

President Pezeshkian also expressed his readiness to host Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Tehran, signaling a desire for continued high-level engagement between the two influential nations.

Prince Khalid bin Salman, for his part, conveyed greetings from the Saudi king and crown prince, and described his meetings with Iranian officials as positive and constructive, signaling a shared commitment to closer cooperation and regional peace.

The meeting marks another milestone in the warming of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, following the restoration of diplomatic ties last year under the China-brokered Beijing Agreement.