Afghan Refugees Face Arrests and Extortion Across Pakistan

Published 4d ago · Latest report 1d ago · Crime

Affects Pakistan and Afghanistan · Covered in 2 countries

AI summary40s readNegative

Afghan returnees in Pakistan report midnight police raids, extortion and arbitrary detentions.

Undocumented Afghan nationals returning to Pakistan face midnight raids, arbitrary arrests and extortion by local authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The crackdown follows the central government establishing direct control in the region through an emergency decree. Thousands of refugees have crossed back into Afghanistan through the Torkham border crossing in recent months.

The arrestsAuthorities detained over 500 undocumented Afghans across three provinces within a single week according to international migration agencies.
The departuresNearly 27000 refugees crossed back into Afghanistan via the Torkham border during a three-month period.
The grievancesReturnees reported officers demanding heavy cash payments to secure their freedom during late-night home raids.

Why it matters

Pakistan hosts millions of displaced Afghans, many fleeing decades of conflict. Recent government directives targeting undocumented foreign nationals have driven mass deportations and heightened security pressures in border regions.

Timeline2

Oct 24Authorities arrested over 500 undocumented Afghan nationals across three provinces within a single week.
Oct 27Afghan returnees accused police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of midnight raids and extortion.

By the numbers2

517Afghans arrested from three districts

27,000Afghan refugees who returned through Torkham

How outlets cover it