Kabul, Oct 30 (NationPress) As Pakistan escalates its crackdown with increased arrests and forced deportations, Afghan refugees are raising alarms about the mounting challenges and fears they face, according to local media reports from Thursday.

Refugees have reported that the Pakistani police recently issued notices in some mosques, declaring that anyone who provides assistance to refugees—such as renting homes or shops—will be deemed a criminal by the authorities.

"A significant number of Afghan refugees, including children, women, and the elderly, have been detained in Pakistani detention facilities for over 15 days, enduring extremely harsh conditions," stated Atiqullah Mansoor, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan, as per TOLO News.

In addition, numerous other refugees indicated that the Pakistani government has intensified its actions by demolishing shelters and increasing arrests and forced deportations.

They have appealed to the Pakistani government to halt the demolition of their homes and allow them to remain in Pakistan, at least through the winter months.

"Winter has already begun. Many remaining homes of Afghan refugees have been destroyed. We implore the Pakistani government to cease the destruction of other homes, as refugees will be left without shelter and nowhere to go. Furthermore, the government has cautioned locals against renting homes to Afghan refugees, threatening legal repercussions," expressed another Afghan refugee.

Nazar Nazari, a migrant rights activist, remarked, "The resolution to this crisis requires diplomatic negotiations between the Afghan and Pakistani governments, aimed at halting home demolitions and preventing forced deportations. Additionally, collaboration with international organizations is crucial to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and job opportunities. Implementing these strategies can alleviate pressure on refugees and render the return process more humane and sustainable."

Local media reported on Wednesday that Islamabad police conducted raids on Afghan refugee residences overnight, apprehending several men lacking valid visas, which has generated fear among families who fled Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover in 2021.

During the late-night operations, police targeted Afghan refugees in the F-17 and Faisal Town areas of Islamabad, arresting individuals accused of lacking proper documentation.

These police actions against Afghan refugees come amidst rising tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, particularly following cross-border operations by Pakistani forces in Afghanistan.