ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Mohsin Dawar, a former member of Pakistan’s parliament, has sharply criticized a recent crackdown on Afghan migrants, calling it an “egregious violation” of fundamental human rights.
Mr. Dawar, who leads the National Democratic Movement, voiced his concerns on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, describing reports of arrests targeting Afghan migrants, including women and children, as “disturbing.”
“Disturbing reports from B-17 Islamabad: Afghan refugees with visas and valid documents, including women and children, are being arrested,” Mr. Dawar wrote. “This crackdown is an egregious violation of basic human rights and humanity, exposing deep-rooted xenophobia and hatred against Afghans.”
Afghan migrants in Pakistan have expressed growing alarm over what they describe as escalating mistreatment and forced deportations. Many report intensified house-to-house searches by police, with arrests and deportations allegedly carried out under dubious pretexts. Even those possessing valid visas have been targeted, according to migrant accounts.
In the Barakahu and B-17 neighborhoods of Islamabad, migrants shared videos showing security forces raiding homes. Witnesses described a pervasive climate of fear as authorities detained individuals without due process.
This wave of enforcement comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants. Rights groups and migrant advocates have raised concerns over the treatment of Afghan refugees, many of whom fled to Pakistan to escape violence and economic turmoil.
