115,000 Afghans displaced amid Afghanistan-Pakistan clashes: UNHCR

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says about 115,000 people have been displaced in Afghanistan and nearly 3,000 others in Pakistan following recent clashes between the two countries.

In a report, the agency expressed concern that any further large-scale returns of Afghan refugees could place immense pressure on basic services and host communities. The organisation added that additional support is urgently required.

The report stated: “We remain concerned about the situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which remains tense amid ongoing clashes and reports of internal displacement in both countries.”

Earlier, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) also expressed concern over the continuing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, warning that the situation could further worsen conditions for Afghan returnees.

In its report, IOM said that ongoing military clashes along the Durand Line had resulted in civilian casualties, damage to vital infrastructure, and the displacement of nearly 66,000 people in eastern and southeastern Afghanistan.

hz/sa