Afghanistan Peace CampaignPakistani media reported that despite a court order to stop harassing migrants, the police in Islamabad have arrested 190 Afghan nationals.
On Friday, March 7, Dawn newspaper, citing a civil organization called “Joint Action Committee for Refugees,” reported that these individuals were transferred to the “Haji” camp in Islamabad.
The civil group described this action by the Pakistani police as a large-scale crackdown, adding that 190 individuals were arrested despite having valid visas and refugee cards.
These arrests come despite a recent ruling from the Islamabad High Court, which had instructed the police not to harass Afghan migrants. The court’s order emphasized that the police should act according to the law. The court had clearly stated, “The police should not harass Afghan refugees and should act in accordance with the law.”
The continuous actions against Afghan migrants are raising serious concerns among civil organizations and the international community, questioning Pakistan’s adherence to human rights standards in handling refugees.
The arrest and deportation of Afghan migrants in Pakistan, despite legal directives, suggest a lack of consistent enforcement of the law. This ongoing issue highlights the need for clearer policies and better protection for refugees.
The situation remains tense, and both local and international communities are urging Pakistan to ensure that refugees’ rights are respected. The government’s approach to handling this issue will likely continue to be under scrutiny in the coming months.