Islamabad: Pakistan has detained a record number of Afghan migrants in 2025, with the highest arrests reported in Balochistan and Punjab, according to the latest assessment by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The UNHCR report, citing data from Afghanistan's Khaama Press, shows that the majority of arrests took place in Chagai and Quetta districts of Balochistan, and Attock district in Punjab. Between January 1 and mid-November 2025, Pakistani authorities detained 100,971 Afghans, a sharp rise compared to about 9,000 arrests in 2024 and over 26,000 in 2023.
UNHCR said 76 per cent of those arrested were Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders or undocumented migrants, while 24 per cent held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
The surge in arrests follows two government orders issued earlier in 2025, directing the removal of Afghan migrants from Islamabad and Rawalpindi and authorising police to detain PoR card holders.
At the same time, UNHCR highlighted a decline in donor funding, leading to reduced cash assistance for Afghan refugees. Aid agencies warn this reduction is worsening the vulnerability of thousands of families dependent on support for food, rent and winter supplies.
Humanitarian groups have urged Pakistan to ensure that any refugee returns are voluntary and in line with international standards. They cautioned that mass expulsions heighten instability along the Afghanistan border, where many returning families struggle with limited access to housing, employment and basic services.
In recent weeks, Afghan refugees have reported rising fear and worsening conditions amid the crackdown. According to media outlet TOLO News, some refugees claim police have issued warnings through local mosques, stating that anyone providing housing or support to Afghan refugees would be treated as a criminal.
“A large number of Afghan refugees, including children, women and the elderly, have been held in Pakistani detention centres for over 15 days, living in extremely harsh conditions,” Afghan refugee Atiqullah Mansoor told TOLO News.
Others say the Pakistani government has intensified arrests, forced deportations and demolition of shelters. They have appealed to authorities to halt the destruction of their homes and permit them to stay in Pakistan at least through the winter.
“Winter has already started. Many of the remaining homes of Afghan refugees here have been demolished. We urge the Pakistani government to stop destroying the rest of the homes. Otherwise, refugees will be left without shelter and nowhere to go,” said another Afghan refugee. He added that locals have been warned not to rent homes to Afghans or face legal action.
With IANS inputs