Pakistan deported more than 3,100 Afghans in the past 24 hours, the Taliban’s commission for refugees said on Monday, as Islamabad continues to intensify removals following recent border clashes.
The commission said 3,159 Afghans were expelled on Sunday, Dec. 7, through the Torkham, Spin Boldak, Bahramcha, Pul-e Abrisham and Islam Qala crossings. It said a further 190 Afghans returned from Iran, both forcibly and voluntarily.
Pakistan deported 2,843 migrants a day earlier, according to the commission.
Islamabad has stepped up detentions and expulsions of undocumented Afghans in recent weeks, particularly after eight days of deadly border fighting in October that left at least 37 people dead. Pakistani authorities have also tightened operations in major cities, including Islamabad.
Border tensions have repeatedly disrupted trade and travel between the neighbours. Although Pakistan briefly reopened some crossings in recent days, authorities have kept them accessible largely for deportation purposes.
Pakistani media reported that the Chaman crossing remained closed on Saturday, Dec. 6, after overnight gunfire between the two sides, leaving hundreds of travellers and traders stranded. Security forces on both sides have since reinforced their positions, the reports said.
Sources said dozens of Afghans attempting to return home were forced to wait for hours at the border, some stranded overnight in cold weather with limited supplies.
