Pakistan Begins Arresting Afghanistani Migrants in Quetta

DID Press: Pakistani police began detaining Afghanistani migrants in Quetta city as the legal residency period for many refugees expires, raising fears of mass deportations and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

According to informed sources, police in the Spinny Road area of Quetta detained dozens of Afghanistani nationals on Tuesday. The move follows Islamabad’s decision to take action against those whose temporary residence permits have lapsed.

Pakistan had earlier warned Afghanistani migrants that they had until September 1 to extend their residency status. Authorities said violators will face legal consequences. Estimates suggest that implementation of the policy can result in deportation of nearly one million Afghanistani migrants.

Experts caution that the forced return of migrants comes at a time when Afghanistan is grappling with soaring unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. They warn the expulsions could dramatically worsen the country’s humanitarian crisis.