The UN refugee agency has warned that Afghans crossing the border from Pakistan could die in the harsh winter weather if they are not given proper shelter.
Around half a million Afghans have already left Pakistan following Islamabad's October move to expel and arrest illegal immigrants. Despite Islamabad insisting that the policy does not target any particular nationality, the vast majority of the immigrants are from neighboring Afghanistan.
Conditions at the border remain appalling, as freezing temperatures approach, and most vital services, including healthcare, are provided by humanitarian organizations.
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that "many Afghan returnees are vulnerable, including women and children, who could lose their lives in a harsh winter if left without adequate shelter."
“People arriving at the border are exhausted and require urgent assistance as well as psychosocial support," the UN reported.
Families have expressed concern that they may not be able to return home immediately due to lower winter temperatures in some areas, particularly in mountainous regions.
The UN agency told media on Sunday that, "Many are arriving with illness, for example, bronchitis, as a result of the cold weather and the difficult journey from Pakistan and they may not have all their belongings, including clothing, and therefore be unable to protect themselves from the elements.”
It was noted that among those returning are families who have never lived in Afghanistan. These people may have no home or extended family to return to after living in Pakistan for generations.