The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) highlighted the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, citing arbitrary arrests, mistreatment, extortion, and the risk of forced deportation. Over 3.4 million Afghan migrants have been expelled from Pakistan and Iran since 2023 due to increased crackdowns on undocumented foreigners, as per a recent report. The AMSO report revealed alarming statistics, with a significant percentage of Afghans experiencing arrests, abuse during detention, and being coerced to pay money to avoid legal issues.
The survey conducted by AMSO indicated that a high number of respondents faced threats, humiliation, and psychological abuse, with many detained for extended periods without proper judicial review. Notably, none of the deported individuals underwent individual risk assessments before being sent back from Pakistan. The report, prepared in collaboration with the World Organisation Against Torture, was submitted to the United Nations Committee Against Torture. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the risks faced by repatriated Afghan nationals, particularly vulnerable groups like journalists, activists, and women.
In recent actions, Pakistani authorities have escalated efforts to deport undocumented Afghans, citing security and economic concerns. The crackdown has led to the repatriation of thousands of Afghan nationals, with law enforcement agencies detaining individuals, including minors, for illegal residency. The intensified measures have also targeted landlords and shop owners renting properties to undocumented Afghan migrants, resulting in arrests and legal actions. Afghan migrants in Balochistan have expressed challenges in accessing basic necessities due to increased restrictions imposed by authorities, affecting their daily lives significantly.
