Pakistan Expels Over 1,100 Afghan Migrants Amid Border Tensions with Taliban
The Taliban-run Ministry of Refugees has reported that Pakistan expelled 1,198 Afghan migrants from its territory on Sunday. This development follows several days of escalating clashes between Pakistani forces and the Taliban along their shared border.
Over the past week, amid intensifying military tensions, Pakistan has accelerated its campaign to detain and deport Afghan migrants from various cities, including the capital, Islamabad. The crackdown has sparked widespread concern among families and human rights organizations.
Simultaneously, Pakistan has closed its border crossings with Afghanistan, keeping them open solely for the forced return of Afghan nationals. According to Pakistani media reports, the Chaman border crossing remains closed following an exchange of fire between the two sides, leaving hundreds of travelers, traders, and families stranded on both sides of the border.
Following the overnight clashes, Pakistani forces have reportedly increased security measures, while the Taliban has reinforced positions on its side of the border, particularly in the Spin Boldak region. Local sources say dozens of Afghans attempting to return home were left waiting for hours in freezing weather with limited resources outside the locked border gates.
As pressure mounts on Afghan migrants and return conditions become increasingly difficult, criticism of the Taliban’s handling of displaced and vulnerable citizens from neighboring countries is also on the rise.
