Islamabad Police Intensifies Arrests of Afghan Refugees: Reasons and Locations
Kabul24: In recent days, Pakistani police officials have intensified their crackdown on Afghan refugees residing in different parts of Islamabad. The police are arresting Afghan refugees accusing them of criminal charges and lack of legal documents.
491 Afghan refugees arrested in two weeks
According to one of Islamabad’s police commanders, who wished to remain anonymous, 491 Afghan refugees have been arrested in Islamabad and its suburbs over the last two weeks. The reasons for their arrest include criminal charges and a lack of legal documents.
Afghans arrested in various areas
The police official further disclosed that the Afghan citizens arrested recently come from different areas of Islamabad such as Pelegran, Bahare Ko, Kohne Pol, Karachi Company, Ternool, Shahrak Shahzad, Bani Gola, and Sabzi Mandi.
The police are taking this action to address the nationwide issues of illegal immigration and criminal activities.
Visa problem cited as primary reason for arrests
The security official went on to state that most of the Afghan refugees arrested had visa problems, and others had been accused of gambling, drugs, mobile phone theft, and wandering around. He also mentioned that some Afghan refugees with UN refugee cards were also caught up in the recent arrests.
Afghan influx due to Taliban takeover
After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August, many Afghan citizens fled their country, fearing persecution or seeking work. Many neighboring countries, including Pakistan, have accommodated thousands of Afghan refugees in temporary shelters. In recent months, Karachi city police also arrested hundreds of Afghans for similar reasons. Some detainees were later released and returned to their homeland.
Future course of action
The arrest of hundreds of Afghan refugees has sparked concerns among human rights activists and Afghan officials stationed in Pakistan.
Despite requests from Afghan officials to treat Afghan refugees cautiously, the police are continuing with their arrests to tackle the issue of illegal residents and criminal activities in the country.
The arrests also signal the need for further humanitarian aid and legal support for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The situation in Afghanistan is still unstable, and the plight of Afghan refugees cannot be ignored in this critical time.
