Afghan Refugees Report Police Raids And Rising Arrests In Pakistan's Islamabad

Afghan refugees in Islamabad stated on Friday that police arrests and harassment have intensified, with residents describing life in Pakistan as increasingly restrictive and insecure.

Refugees reported that police conducted repeated house-to-house raids in the E-11 sector of Islamabad over the past week, detaining several individuals during operations.

Some families say officers forced entry into homes, searching rooms and belongings, while others complained of extortion demands during police inspections in multiple neighborhoods.

Many refugees say they fled Afghanistan to escape Taliban retaliation but now feel unsafe again due to growing pressure and fear of deportation.

Following increased tensions with the Taliban authorities, Pakistan has stepped up detention and deportation efforts targeting undocumented Afghan nationals across the country.

Similar complaints have also emerged from Faisal Town and other parts of Islamabad, where refugees say arrests and financial pressure have become common.

The United Nations has previously warned that deported Afghans, particularly women, former government employees, journalists, and security personnel, face serious risks of detention and rights abuses upon return.

Refugees are urging Western governments and international organizations to pressure Pakistan to halt forced returns and ensure protection for those at risk, as humanitarian concerns continue to grow.

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