Islamabad/Peshawar: Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which have been very bitter for the last few months, may become more bitter. In fact, expressing deep concern over the detention of about 800 Afghan citizens, the Afghanistan Embassy in Islamabad has claimed that worrying cases of 'arbitrary detention and deportation' have come to light due to ambiguity regarding documents. According to the embassy, ​​the 800 Afghans who have been detained include citizens holding valid visas, proof of registration cards (POR) and Afghan citizen cards (ACC).

Pakistan said, illegal immigrants are being expelled

The Embassy of Afghanistan has said that it is particularly concerned about reports of unnecessary arrests, house searches and extortion of Afghan citizens. The embassy said in a post on the social media platform 'X' late Monday night, "We appeal to the Government of Pakistan to immediately resolve these serious concerns." On the embassy's claim, Pakistani officials have said that they are only expelling illegal immigrants. Expressing deep concern over the detention of about 800 Afghan citizens, including those holding valid visas, POR and ACC, in Islamabad, the embassy's post said, "The lack of clarity on the conditions for obtaining NOC has led to worrying cases of arbitrary detention and deportation."

Appeal for immediate intervention from human rights organizations

According to reports, 137 of those deported have already applied for renewal of their visas, and these include those with temporary SHARP/UNHCR registration. SHARP, the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid, works with UNHCR in Pakistan. It said, "Such detentions have led to the separation of many families, including women and children, many of whom are still stranded in Pakistan." Urging the Pakistan government to address Afghanistan's concerns, the embassy said the relevant Pakistani authorities have been informed about the matter. An appeal has also been made to UNHCR and other human rights organisations for immediate intervention.

Afghans are being sent back to their homeland from the end of 2023

From the end of the year 2023, Pakistan started the process of sending back Afghan refugees, considering them a burden on its economy. In July 2024, UN Refugee Agency chief Filippo Grandi discussed with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif the situation of Afghan refugees who were in uncertainty after Pakistan's plan to send back 'undocumented foreigners'. Sharif appealed to the international community to show collective responsibility to solve the problem of the burden of Afghan refugees. At the same time, Pakistan has described the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) associated with the Afghan Taliban as a major threat to the security of the country.