Over 500 Afghans Arrested Across Three Pakistani Provinces

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The enforcement suthorities in Pakistan have arrested more than 500 undocumented Afghan nationals in a crackdown spanning three provinces, according to a joint report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The arrests, totaling 517, occurred between October 11 and 17 in Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Data from the report reveals that 97 percent of those detained were either holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) or undocumented individuals from Chagai, Peshawar, and Karachi.

Notably, Balochistan accounted for 56 percent of the arrests, followed by Punjab at 34 percent and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 10 percent.

This marks a significant increase in enforcement actions, as prior to 2023, no comprehensive data was available regarding the arrest of Afghan nationals.

The ongoing detentions raise concerns about the treatment of Afghan refugees and the implications for Pakistan’s international relations, particularly with Afghanistan.

The report indicates that from September 15, 2023, to October 17, 2026, approximately 2.74 million Afghans have been repatriated to their home country, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Looking ahead, authorities are expected to intensify their efforts to manage undocumented migration, with potential discussions on refugee policies anticipated in upcoming government meetings.

The situation remains fluid as Pakistan navigates its responsibilities towards Afghan nationals amid regional security concerns.