Taliban have accused Pakistani police in Sindh province of harassing Afghan nationals who possess valid residency documents, under the pretext of deporting undocumented migrants.
According to a statement from the Afghan consulate in Karachi, Abdul Jabbar Takhari, the Taliban’s consul general, raised the issue during an Eid al-Fitr meeting with Ghulam Nabi Memon, the police chief of Sindh. Takhari reportedly urged Pakistani officials to ensure that Afghan citizens with proper documentation are not subjected to intimidation or arbitrary arrest.
Taliban claim that the Sindh police chief assured them of full cooperation and pledged to address the concerns.
The allegation comes amid Pakistan’s ongoing deportation campaign, which targets undocumented foreigners—primarily Afghans. Authorities had set a March 31 deadline for the voluntary return of Afghan nationals holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). Following the deadline, reports emerged that security forces had intensified checks and detentions, including during the Eid holidays.
Despite possessing legal papers, some Afghan refugees have reportedly been stopped or detained by police in several cities, exacerbating concerns over their treatment.
Pakistan currently hosts more than 2.8 million Afghans, many of whom fled war or persecution. Rights groups have urged Islamabad to ensure that repatriation efforts adhere to international law and do not violate the rights of documented migrants.
