The Taliban has highlighted the increasing challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan, calling for the Pakistani government to uphold refugee rights and cease the arrest and harassment of Afghan migrants. The deputy spokesperson of the Taliban, Hamdullah Fitrat, emphasized the need for international organizations to protect refugee rights and intervene where necessary. Fitrat also stressed the importance of economic cooperation and support for Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan.
Recent reports from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have shown an 18% increase in the arrests and detentions of Afghan nationals in Pakistan during the first 10 days of January 2026 compared to the previous week. Most of these incidents were concentrated in Pishin, Chaghi, and Islamabad.
Concerns have been raised by the Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) regarding the repeated arrests of Afghan journalists in Pakistan. The AMSO demanded the immediate release of three detained reporters, highlighting the risks faced by journalists who may be deported back to Afghanistan. The organization condemned these arrests as violations of freedom of expression, journalistic principles, and human rights, urging Pakistani authorities to halt the harassment and deportation of Afghan journalists.
Pakistan’s recent crackdown on Afghan migrants has led to the repatriation of thousands of individuals, including journalists and human rights activists. Many Afghan journalists sought refuge in Pakistan due to threats and restrictions on independent media following the Taliban’s rise to power in 2021.
