ISLAMABAD: The Afghan Embassy in Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the recent detention of approximately 800 Afghan citizens in Islamabad.
In a statement issued on X, the Embassy alleged that those detained include individuals with valid visas, Proof of Registration (POR) cards, and Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC).
The statement criticizes the lack of clarity surrounding the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirements and issuance process, which it claims has led to arbitrary detentions and deportations.
Among those deported are 137 Afghan citizens whose visas had expired but who had already applied for extensions, as well as holders of temporary UNHCR registration.
“This has resulted in the separation of families, including women and children, many of whom remain stranded in Pakistan,” the statement read.
The Embassy of Afghanistan expresses its deep concern over the recent detention of approximately 800 Afghan nationals in Islamabad, including individuals holding valid visas, PoR, and ACC cards. The lack of clarity surrounding NOC requirements/issuance process has led to…
— Embassy of Afghanistan in Islamabad (@AFinPak) January 6, 2025
Furthermore, it stated that the “Embassy is alarmed by reports of unwarranted arrests, home raids, and extortion targeting Afghan citizens.
The Afghan embassy urges the Pakistani government to address these concerns immediately.
“The Embassy has formally notified Pakistani authorities about these issues and called for urgent intervention from the UNHCR and other human rights organizations,” it added.
The embassy emphasised the “necessity of upholding the dignity, rights, and protection of Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan.”
