In addition to carrying out mass deportations, Pakistani authorities have begun detaining Afghan migrants, including women, children, and the elderly, according to migrants and footage obtained by Amu.
In one detention facility in Karachi, hundreds of Afghan migrants have reportedly been held over the past four days, including some who possess valid residency documents. Detainees say they have been denied access to food, drinking water, and medical care.
“They even gave us cards,” said Asad Khan, an Afghan migrant. “Since last night, we haven’t been given any food. The children are being kept there. There is no water or food. If they give us time, we will leave on our own.”
Videos reviewed by Amu TV show migrants held in overcrowded conditions, with some individuals allegedly arrested directly from their homes during door-to-door operations conducted by local police in Karachi. Some detainees claimed officers demanded bribes following their arrests.
Migrants have also been transferred to deportation camps, which are said to be in poor condition and lacking basic services.
“Why are they harassing the poor and helpless? We’ve been here for 40 years. From the beginning, they never gave us a proper place,” said Javid, another Afghan migrant in Karachi.
Police in Karachi have announced plans to deport more than 16,000 Afghan Citizen Card holders from the city. Authorities said the process has already begun, with 150 individuals arrested and transferred to detention centers since April 1.
Rights groups and international agencies have raised concerns over Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan migrants, many of whom have lived in the country for decades and now face an uncertain future amid growing pressure to return to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.
