Kabul, Sep 19 (NationPress) Five individuals lost their lives and three more sustained injuries due to an explosion in a migrant settlement located at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the area, as reported by local media on Friday.

The blast occurred in the migrant camp area of Chaman, close to the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, late Thursday evening, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others, according to Afghanistan's prominent news agency, Khaama Press.

Deputy Commissioner Habib Bangalzai indicated that the explosion took place at a taxi stand frequented by Afghan migrants and local residents. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene following the blast.

Bangalzai confirmed that five people were killed while three injured individuals were transported to a government hospital in Chaman. Authorities are currently working to identify the deceased.

A bomb disposal unit collected evidence from the explosion site. Preliminary investigations suggest that an improvised explosive device was concealed among the belongings of the passengers, as reported by Khaama Press, citing The Express Tribune.

Hospital sources indicated that the injured were in critical condition. Security forces cordoned off the area while emergency teams transported victims to local medical facilities.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of mass deportations of Afghan migrants occurring in Pakistan, forcing thousands of families to abandon their homes and livelihoods and return to dire conditions.

The humanitarian situation has deteriorated due to overcrowding, food shortages, and lack of shelter at border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Humanitarian organizations have raised alarms regarding the escalating risks faced by returning Afghan migrants.

Earlier this month, Afghan migrants in Pakistan reported a recent spike in forced deportations. Afghan individuals stated that the Pakistani government has intensified the process of forced removals after the deadline of August 31 expired, as reported by Afghanistan's leading news outlet Tolo News.

Mir Miakhil, a spokesperson for Afghan migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed, "People are extremely worried because they have built their lives here for almost 40 years, and dismantling everything in such a short timeframe is impossible."

Atiqullah Mansoor, another Afghan migrant, noted that Pakistani authorities have ramped up deportations of Afghan migrants, despite repeated requests from migrants and international organizations.

Mansoor stated, "Not only did they not cease the deportations, but they also intensified the process. We, along with international organizations, have consistently urged the Pakistani government to conduct deportations in a gradual and safe manner."

Many other Afghan migrants criticized the Pakistani government for not extending their visas. They reported facing significant challenges due to the refusal to extend their stay.

Several migrant rights advocates highlighted the urgent need to tackle the challenges confronting refugees and urged the Pakistani government to suspend forced deportations until the situation in Afghanistan stabilizes.