Afghan Shia Migrants Report Harassment by Police in Pakistan

Afghan Shia Migrants Report Harassment by Police in Pakistan
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Afghan Shia migrants in Pakistan are complaining of harassment and mistreatment by police, according to Shia Waves Persian. A media professional, Ahmad Mousavi, who relocated to Islamabad, stated that the situation for Afghan migrants, particularly Shias, has deteriorated and that international organizations have not done enough to help.

Mousavi claims that police officers in Islamabad are harassing and extorting money from migrants, even those with legal residency documents. He added that the police often detain migrants, demanding payment for their release, and those who cannot pay are deported. The harassment has reportedly intensified to the point where many migrants are contemplating returning to Afghanistan despite the lack of opportunities there.

The report also noted that police have been conducting raids on the homes of migrants, regardless of their legal status, and have been refusing to acknowledge documents issued by Pakistani authorities for visa renewal. This has left a significant portion of the migrant population vulnerable to arrest and deportation.