Afghan Detentions in Pakistan Surge Tenfold, Reported UNHCR

DID Press: According to a recent report by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the detention of Afghan nationals in Pakistan has surged to unprecedented levels in 2025, rising tenfold compared to last year.

From the start of 2025 until November 8, a total of 100,971 Afghans were detained across Pakistan. By comparison, only 9,006 were detained in 2024 and 26,299 in 2023.

The report indicates that the highest number of detentions occurred in Chagai and Quetta in Balochistan province, as well as Attock in Punjab. In the week ending November 8, detentions reached 13,380, marking a 72% increase from the previous week. Of those detained, 76% were Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders or undocumented individuals, while 24% held Proof of Registration (PoR) documents.

Between November 2 and 8, 41% of total detentions took place in Balochistan and 43% in Punjab, highlighting the concentration of these actions in Pakistan’s heavily populated and border-adjacent provinces.

UNHCR data also shows that from September 15, 2023, to November 8, 2025, a total of 1,723,481 Afghans returned to their country. Since April 2025 alone, 869,448 have returned, with 13% (115,159 individuals) officially deported.

The report emphasizes that fear of detention remains the primary driver of Afghan returns from Pakistan, with 93% of undocumented migrants and ACC cardholders, and 47% of PoR holders, citing it as the main reason for leaving.