Are Afghan Migrants Exposing Widespread Corruption in Pakistan?
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Synopsis
Afghan migrants in Pakistan have accused local police of severe misconduct, including wrongful arrests and extortion. This alarming situation sheds light on the challenges faced by these individuals in a foreign land, urging authorities to take immediate action.
Key Takeaways
- Afghan migrants in Pakistan face serious allegations against local police.
- Reports indicate widespread corruption involving wrongful arrests and extortion.
- Many detainees are pressured to pay large sums for their release.
- The Pakistani government is set to begin repatriation processes for Afghan nationals.
- Community members are urging for reforms to prevent further harassment.
Kabul, Aug 12 (NationPress) Afghan migrants have raised serious allegations of rampant corruption against local police authorities in Pakistan, claiming they are being subjected to harassment through unlawful arrests and extortion for bribes, even when they possess valid or pending immigration paperwork.
Residents of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have reported an alarming increase in the number of Afghans being detained by Pakistani police in recent weeks. According to reports from Afghan news agency Khaama Press, some detainees were released only after paying significant sums of money.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that police officers, often in plain clothes, demand to see passports and visas. If the Afghans are unable to produce their documents, uniformed officers are summoned to arrest them.
On Monday, three Afghans held in Rawalpindi shared their experience on social media, detailing a six-hour detention during which they were pressured to pay for their release. One individual reported paying Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 82,000, while others indicated they had to part with similar amounts.
Many Afghans in Pakistan awaiting visa processing claimed that police refuse to acknowledge official embassy documentation that verifies their pending applications, leading to wrongful detentions despite their legitimate status.
The Afghan community in Pakistan is calling on authorities to expedite visa extensions to prevent further harassment, wrongful detentions, and allegations of extortion by law enforcement.
In a related development, Pakistan's Ministry of Interior has announced that the repatriation of Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, who do not choose to return voluntarily, will commence on September 1.
According to a notification from the Ministry, the voluntary repatriation process for PoR cardholders will begin immediately, while compulsory repatriation for remaining Afghan nationals will start on September 1, as reported by The Express Tribune.
This decision was reached during a high-level meeting addressing increasing security concerns and the strain on national resources. The Ministry of Interior stated that the ongoing repatriation process for Afghan Citizen Card holders will proceed as previously decided by the Interim Framework for the Return Process (IFRP).
Furthermore, the Ministry of Interior indicated it would collaborate with relevant international bodies, including the Taliban-led interim government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan refugees.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this sensitive issue with empathy and integrity. The allegations raised by Afghan migrants highlight significant systemic problems that require urgent attention. It is vital for authorities to address these claims and ensure the safety and rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Afghan migrants alleging against Pakistani police?
Afghan migrants are accusing Pakistani police of engaging in corruption through wrongful arrests and demanding bribes for release, even when they possess valid immigration documents.
What actions has the Pakistani government announced regarding Afghan migrants?
The Pakistani Ministry of Interior has announced that repatriation for Afghan nationals with Proof of Registration cards will begin on September 1, while voluntary repatriation will start immediately.
How are Afghan migrants being treated by local law enforcement in Pakistan?
Many Afghan migrants report harassment and extortion, with police allegedly refusing to acknowledge valid documentation and demanding payment for release from unlawful detention.
