Islamabad – The Afghan Embassy in Pakistan has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the recent detention of approximately 800 Afghan citizens in Islamabad. The Embassy alleges 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 Embassy is particularly alarmed by reports of unwarranted arrests, home raids, and extortion targeting Afghan citizens. It 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 emphasizes the necessity of upholding the dignity, rights, and protection of Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan.
