Hunt, Detain, Deport: Pakistan Begins Nationwide Crackdown On Afghan Citizens | Exclusive

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 09:15 IST

According to security sources, around 20,000 Afghan migrants face phased expulsion under the latest crackdown.

Pakistan has launched a fresh nationwide crackdown on Afghan citizens after the government’s deadline expired on July 11, with raids, arrests and deportation operations being carried out across multiple cities, top security sources told CNN-News18.

According to the sources, the Pakistan Interior Ministry has directed authorities across the country to hunt, detain and deport Afghan citizens and immigrants as part of the renewed crackdown.

Raids Across Major Cities

Security sources said large-scale raids are being carried out in Karachi, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Lahore and several other cities.

Karachi Police arrested 27 undocumented Afghan nationals during an operation conducted on the intervening night of July 11 and 12.

According to security sources, around 20,000 Afghan migrants face phased expulsion under the latest crackdown.

Peshawar Prepares For Deportation Drive

Peshawar Police have sought support from the federal government for an imminent deportation drive, the sources said.

Announcements about the crackdown were also made through mosque loudspeakers, prompting undocumented Afghan nationals to confine themselves indoors as arrests began.

Afghan families detained during the operation will be held at the Nasir Bagh Transit Camp.

The demolition of houses and shops established near Hatingri Phatak in Peshawar is also continuing as part of the crackdown, the sources said.

Restrictions On Afghan-Owned Assets

The Pakistan Interior Ministry has directed the Balochistan authorities to curb property purchases by Afghan migrants.

According to top sources, the federal government has also proposed strict restrictions on the sale of assets belonging to Afghan refugees in Balochistan.

The Balochistan government has been urged to ban property and vehicle transactions involving both registered and unregistered Afghan nationals, the sources said.

Pakistan has proposed asset restrictions to streamline the repatriation process.

‘No Mercy’ Policy Against Afghans

Sources told CNN-News18 that Pakistan’s civil-military hybrid regime had decided to show “no mercy" towards Afghans. Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir wants each and every Afghan citizen expelled from Pakistan at the earliest.

UN Warns Of Wider Deportation Crisis

Six million Afghans have been forced to leave Pakistan and Iran since 2023.

According to a report, the United Nations has warned that three million more Afghans could face deportation by the end of the year.

UN reports have also warned that mass repatriations could increase Afghanistan’s population by around 10 per cent.

The surge in deportations is deepening the economic crisis facing Afghans returning to the country.

About the Author

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

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