Pakistan deported 2,843 Afghan nationals on Saturday as part of its ongoing crackdown on undocumented migrants, the Taliban commission for refugees said on Sunday.
The commission said another 291 Afghans were returned from Iran, both forcibly and voluntarily. The returnees entered Afghanistan through the Torkham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Pul-e Abrisham and Islam Qala border crossings.
Pakistan expelled 2,543 Afghans the previous day, according to the commission.
Islamabad has intensified arrests and deportations of Afghans in recent weeks, following eight days of border clashes in October between Pakistani forces and the Taliban that left at least 37 people dead. Pakistan has since shut major crossings to regular movement but continues to use them for deportations.
Pakistani media reported on Saturday that the Chaman crossing remained closed after an exchange of fire between Taliban and Pakistani forces late Friday night, leaving hundreds of travellers, families and traders stranded on both sides.
The Express Tribune said Pakistani forces had tightened security and reinforced positions after the clashes, while Taliban units had also strengthened their posts in Spin Boldak.
Dozens of Afghans attempting to return home were left waiting for hours at the border gates, with some stranded in cold weather with limited supplies, local sources reported.
