Britain's rescue bid for Afghans facing ejection in Pakistan

MINISTERS are "frantically" trying to evacuate thousands of Afghans who helped Britain before they are deported from Pakistan.

- Michael Knowles

Officials and charities fear that translators who worked alongside UK troops in Afghanistan plus former embassy and security staff who supported coalition forces might fall into the clutches of Taliban extremists.

Up to12 flights have been chartered, with the first having arrived in the UK last week. Many of the migrants will be placed in military accommodation, including Catterick Garrison in Rishi Sunak's North Yorkshire seat.

This will be temporary before they move into asylum accommodation.

Deported

Lots of Afghans in trucks and buses yesterday drove across Pakistan to return home hours before today's expiry of a deadline for those in the country illegally to go or be deported.