Pakistan Detains Hundreds of Afghans, Says Afghan Embassy

The Afghan embassy in Pakistan has reported that approximately 800 Afghans, including some registered with the UN refugee agency, have been detained in Islamabad, Arab News reported yesterday.

This situation arises amid heightened political tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, leading to an increase in arbitrary detentions and deportations.

The embassy expressed deep concern over the impact on families, including women and children, many of whom are stranded in Pakistan. Among those detained, 137 have pending visa extension requests. Reports indicate a rise in harassment and extortion targeting Afghan nationals, as Pakistan’s government intensifies its deportation campaign citing security concerns due to increased militancy.

Since the Taliban regained control of Kabul in August 2021, over 600,000 Afghans have fled to Pakistan. Currently, the country hosts around 1.5 million Afghan refugees, alongside many others with varying legal statuses. The situation remains critical as extensions for registered refugees are set to expire in June 2025.