Pakistan Enforces Crackdown on Undocumented Afghans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province witnesses a large-scale crackdown on undocumented Afghans, leading to hurried evacuations and housing demolitions.
POLICY WIRE — Peshawar, Pakistan — Members of Afghan settlements in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border province hastily packed belongings and hid at home this week as police launched a “large-scale crackdown” on undocumented residents.
Authorities in the northern province carried out housing demolitions, conducted roadside identity checks, and ordered Afghans to leave as part of a broader government pushback, according to community members and officials. Residents of Mattani, a short drive from the provincial capital Peshawar, described a tense atmosphere as police operations intensified.
Police and local officials confirmed the actions, stating that the measures were part of an ongoing effort to ensure national security and regulate the presence of undocumented immigrants. “We’re conducting these operations to maintain law and order,” said a police official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Many Afghan residents expressed fear — and uncertainty about their future. “We have lived here for years, and now we’re being forced to leave with no clear destination,” said an Afghan resident who declined to be named for safety reasons. Another resident added, “Our homes are being destroyed, — and we have nowhere to go.”
The crackdown follows a series of government directives aimed at curbing the presence of undocumented immigrants. In recent months, authorities have increased border security and launched several operations to identify and deport undocumented individuals.
Human rights organizations have criticized the measures, calling for a more humane approach to handling the situation. “These actions are causing immense suffering for innocent families,” said a representative from a local human rights group. “The government must find a balanced solution that respects human rights while addressing security concerns.”
The exact number of undocumented Afghans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is unclear, but estimates suggest that tens of thousands of individuals may be affected by the crackdown. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing police operations — and continued reports of displacement.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
