Sharp Rise in Afghan National Arrests Documented by United Nations
The United Nations has revealed alarming data showing a dramatic increase in the arrest of Afghan nationals living in Pakistan. According to the recently published report, arrests surged by 146% during a single week between October 26 and November 1, 2025.
Breakdown of Detainees by Documentation Status
The UN report provides detailed analysis of who was being detained during this period. The data indicates that Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and undocumented Afghans constituted 77% of all arrests. Meanwhile, individuals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards accounted for the remaining 23% of detainees.
This statistical breakdown highlights how Pakistan's intensified crackdown is affecting different categories of Afghan residents. The ACC is typically provided to Afghan citizens who arrived in Pakistan after specific cutoff dates, while PoR cards are issued to registered refugees.
Context and Implications of the Crackdown
The timing of this dramatic increase coincides with Pakistan's ongoing campaign to regulate and potentially repatriate Afghan nationals residing within its borders. The 146% jump in arrests within just seven days represents one of the most significant enforcement surges documented in recent years.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation as these developments have substantial humanitarian implications. The United Nations data provides crucial documentation of the scale and pace of Pakistan's immigration enforcement actions against its Afghan population.
This report comes amid ongoing regional tensions and highlights the complex relationship between the two neighboring nations. The significant percentage of ACC holders among those arrested suggests particular scrutiny on more recent arrivals and those with uncertain documentation status.
