2023-11-02 09:18:01
ISLAMABAD (AP) — International aid agencies warned Thursday of scenes of chaos and desperation among Afghans returning home from Pakistan, where security forces were arresting and deporting foreigners not registered or without permission to be in the country. .
The initiative mainly affects Afghans, who are the majority among foreigners living in Pakistan, although the Islamabad government says it persecutes anyone who is in the country illegally.
The three NGOs — the Norwegian Refugee Council, the Danish Refugee Council and the International Rescue Committee — noted that many of those who fled Pakistani persecution arrived in Afghanistan in poor conditions.
“The conditions in which they arrive in Afghanistan are terrible as many have made arduous journeys lasting several days, exposed to the elements and often forced to give up their possessions in exchange for transportation,” the agencies said in a statement.
Between 9,000 and 10,000 Afghans cross the border from Pakistan every day, up from around 300 previously, according to agency teams on the ground.
Afghans returning to their country have nowhere to go and NGOs say they fear for their survival and reintegration in a country overwhelmed by natural disasters, decades of war, an economic and humanitarian crisis and millions of internally displaced people.
Salma Ben Aissa, director of the International Rescue Committee in Afghanistan, noted that returnees face a bleak future, especially if they have been living in the neighboring country for decades.
Taliban authorities have prepared temporary camps for Afghans in border areas.
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