Pakistani police have increased the arrest of Afghan refugees due to rising border clashes with Taliban forces. Afghan nationals in Pakistan are facing critical situations, with both men and women being detained, especially in Islamabad. Recent reports from Afghanistan’s Khaama Press indicate that Afghan refugees with valid visas and residency documents are being detained by the police, awaiting potential deportation.
The crackdown on Afghan refugees follows heightened clashes between Taliban forces and Pakistani troops along the border regions. Pakistani airstrikes targeting Afghan provinces like Nangarhar and Paktika have escalated tensions, with operations reportedly extending to areas including Kabul. This situation has raised concerns among migrant communities and human rights observers, fearing actions targeting Afghan civilians in Pakistan.
Taliban Deputy Spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat mentioned that the Afghan Air Force conducted airstrikes on Pakistani military targets in cities like Islamabad, Nowshera, Jamrud, and Abbottabad. These retaliatory attacks were in response to Pakistani military airstrikes in Afghan cities like Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. The Afghan Ministry of National Defence reported retaliatory strikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, resulting in casualties and capturing military bases amid escalating tensions.
Pakistan initiated ‘Operation Ghazab lil-Haq’ (Righteous Fury) in response to alleged unprovoked firing by Afghan forces across border sectors. The Pakistan Air Force conducted airstrikes on military installations in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia, as reported by Pakistan’s leading daily ‘Dawn’.
