Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Afghan Detentions in Pakistan Soar Amid Border Reopening
Imagine a lot of people from Afghanistan living in Pakistan.
Recently, Pakistan's border with Afghanistan reopened after being closed.
Because the border is open again, more Afghan people are being sent back to their country.
In just one week, way more Afghan people were arrested and detained compared to the week before.
Some of these people had special cards, but many didn't have any papers.
Most of the arrests happened in a part of Pakistan called Balochistan.
This also means many more people are returning to Afghanistan, and a large number of them are being sent back because they don't have the right documents.
Many Afghans are worried about being arrested, which is why they are returning.
Arrests of Afghan nationals in Pakistan surged by 146% in the week ending November 1, linked to the reopening of border crossings.
A total of 7,764 Afghan nationals were detained during that week, with 77% being ACC holders or undocumented, and 23% PoR card holders.
86% of the arrests occurred in Balochistan, with Chagi, Attock, and Quetta being the top districts for arrests between January 1 and November 1, 2025.
Returns increased by 101% and deportations by 131% in the last week of October, totaling 37,448 returns and 7,733 deportations.
Fear of arrest is a major reason for return for undocumented individuals and ACC holders, and a significant factor for PoR holders.
- Who
- Afghan nationals, including Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, undocumented Afghans, and Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders, and Pakistani authorities.
- What
- A 146% surge in arrests and detentions of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, alongside significant increases in returns and deportations, attributed to the reopening of border crossings.
- When
- The week ending November 1, with a focus on the last week of October, and a broader period from September 15, 2023, to November 1, 2025.
- Where
- Across Pakistan, with a concentration of arrests in Balochistan, specifically in districts like Chagi, Attock, and Quetta. Border crossings at Chaman and Torkham reopened.
- Why
- Primarily due to the reopening of border crossings which facilitated increased returns and deportations, coupled with government directives for repatriation of Afghan nationals.
Afghan Nationals
Pakistani Authorities
Reasons for Return/Deportation
Afghan Nationals
Fear of arrest is the primary motivator for return, particularly for undocumented individuals and those with Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), and a significant factor for Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders.
Pakistani Authorities
The increased arrests and deportations are directly linked to the reopening of border crossings like Chaman and Torkham, following government directives for repatriation of PoR card holders whose cards expired on June 30.
- Arrest Surge (Week ending Nov 1)
- 146%
- Total Detained (Week ending Nov 1)
- 7,764
- Highest Arrest District (Jan 1 - Nov 1, 2025)
- Chagi
- Returns Increase (Last week of Oct)
- 101%
- Deportations Increase (Last week of Oct)
- 131%
- Total Returns (Sep 15, 2023 - Nov 1, 2025)
- 1,667,713
