Kabul, Oct 16 (NationPress) The government of Pakistan has instructed Afghan migrants to vacate their residences and commercial spaces in Quetta within a week, threatening legal consequences for those who remain illegally.

According to local media, Deputy Commissioner Mansoor Ahmed stated that landlords and shopkeepers renting to Afghan nationals must clear their properties within seven days. Local officials noted that enforcement teams will commence property inspections following the deadline, as reported by the Afghan news agency Khaama Press.

Pakistani authorities have cautioned property owners about facing fines and arrests if they fail to comply with this directive. This action forms part of a broader crackdown on Afghan migrants lacking legal residency documentation in Pakistan.

The order from Pakistani authorities follows violent confrontations between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters at the Spin Boldak border crossing on Wednesday. Subsequently, both nations announced a 48-hour ceasefire, effective at 5:30 PM Kabul time on Wednesday. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid indicated that the ceasefire was established following a request made by Pakistan.

Human rights organizations have claimed that actions against Afghan migrants have risen amid escalating political and military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, resulting in increased deportations and instances of harassment.

Moreover, Afghan refugees in Pakistan reported a rise in police harassment, arrests, and evictions due to heightened border tensions, instilling fear and uncertainty among countless displaced families.

In an interview with Radio Azadi, Rahimullah, a former Afghan army officer residing in Rawalpindi with his family, shared that life has become increasingly challenging following the border clashes. He mentioned that Pakistani police have warned property owners against renting to Afghans lacking valid visas, as reported by Khaama Press.

"Last night my landlord ordered me to leave the house because we lack visas," Rahimullah recounted. "Police patrols have intensified, and landlords are pressuring Afghans to vacate everywhere."

Social media videos, allegedly from Quetta, depict Pakistani police utilizing trucks to detain Afghan migrants. Residents in Hazara Town reported police conducting door-to-door searches, checking homes and shops, and arresting individuals without legal documentation.

Tayeba Hussaini, a Quetta local, described the situation as "worse than what is portrayed online." She stated that authorities had blocked roads and were apprehending anyone suspected of being an undocumented Afghan, as reported by Khaama Press, citing Radio Azadi.

Afghan refugees have appealed to Pakistani officials and the United Nations to alleviate the pressure and extend their visas, expressing concern about potential deportation or detention if they cannot provide valid documentation.