ISLAMABAD: Arrests and detentions of Afghan nationals in Pakistan have risen by 18 per cent in January compared to the previous week, according to a joint ‘Flash Update’ issued by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
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The report shows that between Jan 1 and 10, most arrests occurred in Balochistan, Pishin and Islamabad Capital Territory, reflecting the geographic concentration of enforcement measures under Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation policy. From Jan 4 to 10 alone, 73 per cent of arrests took place in Balochistan and 16pc in Islamabad.
Of those apprehended, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and undocumented Afghans accounted for 87pc of detentions, while Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders represented 13pc. The data indicates that from Sept 15 to Jan 10, a total of 130,999 Afghan nationals were detained nationwide, with Balochistan recording the highest proportion at 68pc, followed by Islamabad (19pc), Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (6pc), Punjab (4pc) and Sindh (3pc).
The uptick in arrests follows a series of government directives issued throughout 2025 targeting Afghan nationals living in Pakistan. Early that year, authorities directed Afghans residing in Rawalpindi and Islamabad to relocate or face deportation. Later measures expanded enforcement to ACC holders and subsequently to PoR card holders, whose legal status lapsed after June 30. A September 1 deadline was later announced for PoR holders to leave the country ahead of deportations.
While IOM’s ‘Returnee Inflow from Pakistan’ update shows overall return flows declined by 17pc from Dec 21 to Jan 3, returns through the Torkham border crossing increased by 8pc. A separate analysis by the International Federation of Red Crescent (IFRC) estimates more than 5.2 million Afghans returned or were deported from Iran and Pakistan between early 2025 and November, deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
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Most Afghan returnees have crossed via Torkham and Spin Boldak, with smaller flows through Angur Ada and informal routes in Helmand.