Pakistani officials confirmed on Tuesday that 90 Afghan migrants were arrested in Islamabad and Rawalpindi and deported via the Torkham border. Of those expelled, 77 held Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), while 13 lacked legal residency documents.
Authorities noted this action was distinct from the formal expulsion process, set to begin once temporary migrant camps are operational.
The temporary repatriation camp in Landi Kotal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, remains shut due to Eid holidays. A Pakistan’s immigration authority told Afghanistan International on Tuesday that the forced deportation of undocumented Afghan migrants had officially started, with arrests occurring nationwide. In this initial phase, only those without valid residency papers are being targeted.
The Associated Press, citing government documents, previously reported that Pakistan delayed the forced repatriation of Afghan migrants until 10 April due to Eid al-Fitr. The report added that Islamabad plans to deport three million Afghans this year.
Amid the crackdown, the Taliban’s consul in Karachi met Sindh’s Chief Minister on Tuesday, pressing for an end to police harassment of Afghan migrants with legal residency documents. The Taliban have consistently urged a dignified return for Afghan migrants, but Pakistani authorities have rejected these pleas, continuing with widespread arrests and deportations.
