Kabul, May 8: Afghan refugees returning from Pakistan have reported facing extortion and threats from Pakistani police. This claim emerged from a local media report on Friday.
According to the report, many refugees attempting to leave Pakistan were stopped multiple times along the way and coerced into paying money.
Afghan media outlet Amu TV cited local sources from eastern Afghanistan, stating that particularly at the busy Torkham border crossing, Pakistani police officers were demanding money from refugees, often using force or intimidation.
The report also indicated that the Pakistani administration has intensified pressure on Afghan families. They are being told to demolish the homes they have built over the years and return to Afghanistan as soon as possible.
It was reported that “Pakistani officials have instructed refugees to demolish their homes themselves and return to Afghanistan promptly.”
However, there has been no public response from Pakistan regarding the allegations of extortion and forced evictions.
Meanwhile, Islamabad has consistently accused the Taliban of sheltering terrorists from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Tensions between the two sides have escalated significantly over the past six months.
The Taliban has denied these accusations, asserting that Afghan territory will not be used to launch attacks against any other country.
Amidst the rising tensions, clashes and airstrikes have occurred along the border.
Analysts and human rights activists have stated that “Afghan refugees are bearing the brunt of the political and security disputes between Islamabad and the Taliban.”
This situation unfolds during a time when multiple rounds of negotiations have taken place, mediated by Qatar and Turkey.
Due to the tensions at the border, trade routes and border crossings have been intermittently closed.
A report from the Taliban-run Commission for Refugee Affairs indicated that Pakistan is deliberately obstructing returning Afghans at the Torkham border under various pretexts.
Aid agencies have warned that a large number of returning individuals are arriving in Afghanistan with minimal belongings, limited financial resources, and an uncertain future, amidst an already severe economic crisis and humanitarian disaster.
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