Pakistani authorities have detained more than 100,000 Afghan migrants through mid-November, marking a significant increase from approximately 9,000 arrests during the previous year and surpassing 26,000 detentions recorded two years earlier. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees reports that most apprehensions occurred in Balochistan's Chagai and Quetta districts, along with Punjab's Attock district, with three-quarters of those held being either Afghan Citizen Card holders or lacking documentation.
Government directives authorizing the removal of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi while permitting the arrest of Proof of Registration card holders, have contributed to the escalating detentions. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about mass expulsions creating instability near the Afghanistan border, where returning families frequently lack housing and employment.
Afghan refugees report harsh conditions in detention facilities lasting over two weeks and allege that Pakistani police have warned residents against providing shelter or renting properties to migrants. Multiple refugees appealed for the suspension of home demolitions during the winter months, noting that authorities have threatened legal action against locals who assist displaced Afghans.
Government directives authorizing the removal of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi while permitting the arrest of Proof of Registration card holders, have contributed to the escalating detentions. Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern about mass expulsions creating instability near the Afghanistan border, where returning families frequently lack housing and employment.
Afghan refugees report harsh conditions in detention facilities lasting over two weeks and allege that Pakistani police have warned residents against providing shelter or renting properties to migrants. Multiple refugees appealed for the suspension of home demolitions during the winter months, noting that authorities have threatened legal action against locals who assist displaced Afghans.
