Over 500 Afghan migrants freed from Pakistan prisons

Over 500 Afghan migrants were released from Pakistan prisons this week, as arrests increase and concerns grow over detention conditions and treatment.

Taliban say 527 Afghan migrants were released from Pakistan prisons, as arrests rise and concerns grow over treatment of refugees and detainees.

Taliban authorities said 527 Afghan migrants have been released from prisons in Pakistan over the past week, highlighting ongoing detention and repatriation issues affecting Afghan nationals. The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation confirmed the releases in a statement issued Thursday.

According to the ministry, the individuals returned to Afghanistan through the Spin Boldak and Torkham border crossings after being freed. Images shared by Taliban officials showed that women were also among those released, underscoring the broad scope of detentions.

Pakistani authorities have in recent months intensified efforts to detain undocumented Afghan migrants, as part of a wider crackdown on irregular migration. The measures have affected thousands of Afghans, many of whom had been living in Pakistan for years.

Human rights groups and local sources have raised allegations of mistreatment, including claims that some migrants face extortion or demands for money while in custody. These reports have increased concern about the conditions faced by detainees.

Following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, a new wave of Afghan migrants fled to neighboring countries, including Pakistan, seeking safety and economic opportunities. Many remain without formal documentation, making them vulnerable to detention and deportation.

Amnesty International has previously urged Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to halt what it described as unlawful arrests and harassment of Afghan migrants. The organization called for adherence to international human rights standards and protection for vulnerable individuals.

The situation continues to raise concerns among aid organizations and observers, who warn that increased detentions and forced returns could worsen the humanitarian situation for Afghan migrants already facing uncertainty and hardship.

The post Over 500 Afghan migrants freed from Pakistan prisons appeared first on Khaama Press.