Afghan migrants in Islamabad, Pakistan, report an increase in arrests by local police after a brief hiatus. According to the migrants, the arrests intensified starting from Tuesday, with several individuals detained across various areas of Islamabad, including the Barakahu region.
According to the report on Thursday, January 30, that Pakistani police conducted early morning house raids at 9:00 a.m. These raids were reportedly much more severe, with many undocumented migrants, including women and children, being detained.
Afghan migrants in Islamabad report intensified police arrests, including those with UNHCR refugee cards. One migrant shared that women detainees were physically assaulted, while another claimed his brother was arrested and taken to the Haji Camp in Rawalpindi, after being slapped for recording.
The Pakistani police’s crackdown on Afghan migrants in Islamabad and Rawalpindi has intensified over the past month. Although there was a slight reduction in arrests last week, the frequency and severity of detentions have sharply increased in the past two days.
Many Afghan migrants who fled violence and instability in their home country are now facing heightened fear of arrest and deportation. The recent actions by Pakistan’s police have sparked protests from Afghan refugee communities.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the treatment of Afghan migrants in Pakistan, calling for greater protection and more humane treatment of refugees. They have urged the Pakistani government to reconsider its approach toward Afghan migrants and refugees.
The ongoing crackdown on Afghan migrants comes amid escalating tensions between Pakistan and Taliban. While Pakistan’s authorities defend the actions as necessary for security reasons, international bodies have called for a balanced and fair approach to handling refugees and migrants.
