Arrests and Detentions of Afghans Rise 18pc in January- UN-IOM Report

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Arrests and Detentions of Afghans Rise 18pc in January: UN-IOM Report

Jan 17, 2026 | Afghanistan

Arrests and Detentions of Afghans Rise 18pc in January- UN-IOM Report
Islamabad — Arrests and detentions of Afghan nationals in Pakistan increased by 18 per cent in the first ten days of January 2026 compared to the previous week, according to the latest joint ‘Flash Update’ from the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The report highlights ongoing enforcement of immigration policies amid the government’s repatriation efforts.
From January 4 to 10, 73 per cent of all reported arrests and detentions occurred in Balochistan, while 16 per cent took place in Islamabad Capital Territory. The top three districts for such actions were Chaghi, Pishin, and Islamabad.

Key Highlights

  • Arrests and detentions of Afghans up 18pc in early January compared to the previous week.
  • Total Afghans arrested and detained from September 15, 2025 to January 10, 2026: 130,999.
  • Breakdown by province: Balochistan (68pc, 1,489 arrests), Islamabad (19pc, 423), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (6pc, 127), Punjab (4pc, 86), Sindh (3pc, 75).
  • Among those detained: 87pc were Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders or undocumented Afghans; 13pc held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
  • Returnee inflows from Pakistan dropped 17pc (averaging 2,683 per day) from December 21 to January 3, though crossings at Torkham rose 8pc.

The figures reflect Pakistan’s phased implementation of the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan. In January 2025, the government directed Afghan nationals to relocate from Islamabad and Rawalpindi or face deportation. Further announcements in April targeted ACC holders, while a July Statutory Regulation Order (SRO) mandated repatriation of PoR card holders after their validity expired on June 30, 2025. A final deadline of September 1 was set for PoR holders to leave voluntarily.

Meanwhile, returnee numbers remain high. An International Federation of Red Crescent (IFRC) analysis notes that since early 2025 until the end of November, over 5.2 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan — an unprecedented scale straining Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation. More than 3.6 million came from Iran (including 1.2 million deportees), with peak inflows in November 2025 through main crossings like Torkham and Spin Boldak.
Pakistan continues to manage this complex situation in line with its sovereignty and security priorities while cooperating with international partners. Authorities stress that these measures aim to ensure legal residency and orderly repatriation, with emphasis on humane processes. As enforcement continues, the focus remains on balancing national interests with the welfare of those affected.
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