Afghans forcibly returned from Pakistan describe their plight

Thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan have been forcibly returned to their country since November 1, Taliban authorities said on Sunday.

More than 200,000 people have crossed from Pakistan into Afghanistan, Pakistani border officials said. Pakistan said most Afghans have left voluntarily, but Kabul insists the majority have been forcibly repatriated since the deadline.Since taking power, Taliban authorities have urged Afghans to return home, but they also condemn Pakistan's actions, saying nationals are being punished for tensions between Islamabad and Kabul, and are calling for people to be given more time to leave.

Pakistan has said the deportations are to protect its "welfare and security" after a sharp rise in attacks, which the government blames on militants operating from Afghanistan, an allegation Kabul denies.