ISLAMABAD (AP) - The Taliban has made a heartfelt appeal to Afghanistan's private sector, urging them to provide support to individuals who are fleeing Pakistan's ongoing mass deportation drive. This policy is primarily targeting undocumented foreigners, with Afghans being the most affected due to their significant presence in the country.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Kabul has called upon Afghanistan's private sector to step forward and offer aid. This request comes after a similar plea was made by the Taliban last month in the aftermath of devastating earthquakes, where they urged Afghanistan's "wealthy compatriots" to assist the survivors and affected communities. However, no official spokesperson from the Taliban-led administration could be reached for comment on Saturday.

According to the Ministry, Afghans forcefully expelled from Pakistan are currently facing dire circumstances with limited opportunities for their future. In light of the profound humanitarian crisis caused by the forced migration of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals, the Ministry believes it is both the duty of Islam and Afghans alike to lend support to their fellow countrymen.

Afghanistan is already grappling with numerous challenges, such as prolonged drought, a struggling economy, and the aftermath of decades of war. The country is already burdened with millions of internally displaced people, leading to concerns within the humanitarian community regarding its ability to provide support and integrate those returning from Pakistan.

Senior officials from the Taliban have been seen on social media accounts at the Torkham border in the eastern Nangarhar province, welcoming returning Afghans and offering temporary camps to provide them with essential provisions including food, shelter, and healthcare.

Prior to the October 31 deadline for voluntary departure, approximately 250,000 Afghans left Pakistan. However, tens of thousands are now heading towards border areas, fearing detention and deportation as Pakistani security forces conduct door-to-door searches in search of undocumented foreigners.

Aid agencies have swiftly mobilized teams to border areas, reporting chaotic and desperate scenes among returning Afghans. Save the Children has shared testimonies from people who have no place to live and lack funds for basic necessities such as food, rent, or transportation after crossing the border. In addition, the agency has noted that some Afghan children, born in Pakistan, are experiencing Afghanistan for the first time.

This mass deportation drive has further heightened tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. Pakistan has accused Afghans of carrying out suicide attacks within its borders and has pointed fingers at the Taliban for sheltering these militants. However, the Taliban vehemently denies these allegations.

In response, senior Taliban figures have once again condemned Pakistan for its anti-migrant crackdown. They have described the policy as cruel and one-sided, emphatically demanding that Afghans be treated with respect and dignity.

Muhammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban's acting defense minister in Kabul, has issued a warning to Pakistan, stating that it should face the consequences of its actions and reap what it sows. He further emphasized that the current situation will undoubtedly have a negative impact on relations between both countries.