Pakistan Intensifies Crackdown on Afghan Migrants Amid Emergency

Pakistan has launched a door-to-door operation against Afghan migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, implementing extensive measures to detain individuals lacking legal documentation. These actions are being carried out under emergency conditions, focusing on identifying undocumented nationals.

Launch of Door-to-Door Operations Against Afghan Migrants

Starting on November 1, security forces in Pakistan will initiate a door-to-door campaign targeting Afghan migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Senior security officials have stated that the operation aims to identify and detain Afghans lacking legal documentation.

Among the cities targeted in this campaign are Peshawar, Kohat, Bannu, and Dera Ismail Khan. Military and law enforcement agencies have established comprehensive measures to inspect homes as well as businesses operated by Afghans and their relatives.

Emergency Declaration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Last week, the central government of Pakistan declared a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, transferring state powers to Faisal Karim Kundi, the province’s governor. These actions come amid escalating tensions between the federal government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The federal government cites the provincial authorities’ failure to control armed groups as the reason for its intervention, while PTI representatives have denounced the move as a political coup.

Increased Pressure on Afghan Migrants

Since the commencement of the forced repatriation plan for Afghan migrants in October 2023, more than 2.5 million individuals have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan. This underscores the intensifying pressure on Afghans in the country. The recent measures have raised concerns about the fate of undocumented migrants in Pakistan.