Pakistan continues illegal arrest of Afghan refugees, refugee lawyer says

Representatives of Afghan refugees in Pakistan complain that, despite having legal documents, they are still detained and tortured by Pakistani officials, and only released upon paying a bribe.

Moniza Kakar, a Karachi-based human rights lawyer, confirmed in a conversation with some media outlets that Afghan refugees are detained by Pakistani police despite being registered with the United Nations and even having visas.

During the last two months, she added, at least 1,400 Afghans have been arrested, of which about 400 individuals held UN cards, Pakistani residence cards or visas.

It should be mentioned that more than 600,000 Afghans have escaped to neighbouring Pakistan since the Taliban came to power in August 2021.