By 
08-01-25
Chiara Bellini
Team Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence.
This week, the Afghan embassy in Pakistan expressed concerns over the arbitrary detention of Afghan refugees in Islamabad, arguing that 800 individuals are being deprived of their liberty (Dawn, 2025). It held that the targeted individuals also include those who carry official documentation granting them stay in Pakistan, such as the Proof of Registration (PoR), the Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) and other visas. Additionally, the embassy criticised the central government’s lack of clarity over the issuance of authorisation to stay in the federal capital (Dawn, 2025). Indeed, Pakistan established December 31st, 2024, as the deadline for Afghan citizens to obtain security clearance and no-objection certificates.
On the other hand, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon denied that the deportation process targets documented migrants, reiterating the administration’s strict compliance with its laws. As of January 8th, 2025, it is reported that 183 Afghans have been repatriated (Dawn, 2025).
Sources and further readings:
Azeem, M. Over 180 Afghan nationals deported from Islamabad this month. (2025, January 8). Dawn. Retrieved on January 8, 2025, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1883724/over-180-afghan-nationals-deported-from-islamabad-this-month
Iqbal, N. No registered Afghans will be deported until June 30, SC told. (2025, January 7). Dawn. Retrieved on January 8, 2025, from https://www.dawn.com/news/1883554
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