In Islamabad, harsh realities confront Afghan refugees as reports of arbitrary detentions and harassment surface, highlighting systemic discrimination by law enforcement agencies. Babu Ram Pant, Deputy Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, emphasizes that police night raids impact hundreds, including vulnerable women and children, exacerbating an already dire situation. The Pakistani government’s insistence on a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) adds unnecessary burdens to refugees, pushing many to flee back to Afghanistan amid increased dangers.
Amnesty International has underscored the alarming breadth of Pakistani authorities’ actions, which often result in the detention of refugees who possess valid documents. All refugees and asylum seekers, regardless of their documentation status, possess inherent rights under international human rights law, including protection against forced removal. They urge immediate compliance by Pakistan with these obligations, calling for swift release of detained individuals and the revocation of the NOC requirement.
Since the start of 2025, over 800 Afghan nationals have reportedly been detained, a troubling outcome following an announcement by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi banning Afghan nationals from staying in Islamabad without an NOC. The edict emerged after violent protests in late November, where heavy-handed tactics by security forces led to tragic casualties. Ethnic profiling of Pashtuns has since intensified, leading to arbitrary detentions predominantly targeting Afghans and those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In the ominous backdrop of the October 2023 announcement of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan,” Afghan refugees face dire consequences. The initial phase demands undocumented refugees leave or face deportation, with a staggering 783,918 individuals having returned to Afghanistan. Amnesty International continues to implore Pakistan to adhere to its international commitments and extend protections to Afghan refugees against mistreatment and detention.
In Pakistan, Afghan refugees face severe discrimination, including arbitrary detention and harassment by law enforcement, as highlighted by Amnesty International. The new No-Objection Certificate requirement exacerbates their situation, leading to increased vulnerability. With tensions rising and policies pushing refugees back to Afghanistan, the urgency for government action and adherence to international law grows stronger.
The situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan is becoming increasingly precarious as systemic discrimination and arbitrary detentions continue to rise. Amnesty International calls for adherence to international law to protect refugees, highlighting the urgent need for policy reversal. The emotional and physical toll on refugees, including families and children, reflects a dire humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and resolution from governments involved.
The plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has escalated, particularly following the recent policies enforced by the Pakistani government. The spike in detentions and harassment highlights a concerning trend of discrimination. The demand for a No-Objection Certificate has intensified the vulnerability of Afghan refugees, causing many to return to their home country amid fears for their safety. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for grasping the larger implications of human rights in this context.
Original Source: www.amnesty.org
