Afghan Migrants in Pakistan Accuse Police of Harassment, Bribe Demands Despite Valid Documents
Kabul, Aug 12 (TheTrendingPeople) – Afghan migrants in Pakistan have accused local police authorities of harassment, wrongful arrests, and extortion, even when they hold valid or pending immigration documents.
According to Afghan news agency Khaama Press, residents in Islamabad and Rawalpindi allege that police have intensified arrests in recent weeks, with some detainees released only after paying large sums in bribes.
Witnesses Report Arbitrary Arrests
Eyewitnesses claim that police—sometimes in plain clothes—approach Afghans and demand to see passports and visas. If the individuals cannot immediately produce their documents, uniformed officers reportedly arrive in official vehicles to detain them.
Three Afghans arrested in Rawalpindi on Monday said they were held for six hours. One detainee alleged he paid PKR 82,000 for his release, while others reported similar payments.
Afghans awaiting visa processing also claim police refuse to recognise official embassy documents showing pending applications, attempting to detain them despite their legal status.
Calls for Urgent Action
Members of the Afghan community in Pakistan have appealed to authorities to:
- Accelerate visa extensions for Afghan nationals
- Stop harassment and wrongful arrests
- Investigate alleged extortion by law enforcement officers
Pakistan’s Repatriation Timeline
The allegations come as Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior prepares for an expanded repatriation program for Afghan nationals.
- Voluntary repatriation of Afghan Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders has begun immediately.
- Compulsory repatriation for those who do not opt to return voluntarily will start September 1, 2025.
The decision, reported by The Express Tribune, was made at a high-level meeting citing security concerns and pressure on national resources.
The Ministry said it will coordinate with:
- The Taliban-led interim Afghan government
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
- Other international agencies
to facilitate the process.
Broader Context
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades, but in recent years has tightened its immigration policies, citing security issues and economic strain. Human rights groups have warned that accelerated repatriations could expose vulnerable Afghans to risks back home.
TheTrendingPeople.com Analysis:
The current tensions between Afghan migrants and Pakistani authorities highlight the complex intersection of migration policy, law enforcement practices, and regional security concerns—factors that could shape diplomatic ties between Islamabad and Kabul in the coming months.