Pakistan's Urgent Order: Afghan Migrants Must Vacate Quetta in One Week

Pakistani Authorities Issue Eviction Notice to Afghan Migrants

Kabul: On Thursday, Pakistani officials mandated that Afghan migrants vacate their residences and businesses in Quetta within a week, threatening legal action against those who remain illegally.

Deputy Commissioner Mansoor Ahmed was quoted by local media, stating that landlords and shopkeepers renting to Afghan nationals must clear their properties within seven days. Following this deadline, enforcement teams will begin inspections, as reported by the Afghan news agency Khaama Press.

Authorities in Pakistan have cautioned property owners about potential fines and arrests for non-compliance. This directive is part of a broader initiative targeting Afghan migrants lacking legal documentation to reside in the country.

The order from Pakistani officials follows violent confrontations between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters at the Spin Boldak border crossing on Wednesday. Subsequently, both nations announced a 48-hour ceasefire, effective from 5:30 PM Kabul time on the same day, as confirmed by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, who noted that the ceasefire was established at Pakistan's request.

Human rights organizations have indicated that the crackdown on Afghan migrants aligns with escalating political and military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, leading to increased deportations and harassment.

Afghan refugees in Pakistan have reported a rise in police harassment, arrests, and evictions amid heightened border tensions, instilling fear and uncertainty among numerous displaced families.

Rahimullah, a former Afghan army officer residing in Rawalpindi with his family, shared with Radio Azadi that life has become increasingly challenging following the border clashes. He mentioned that police in Pakistan have warned landlords against renting to Afghans without valid visas, as reported by Khaama Press.

“Last night, my landlord asked me to leave because we lack visas,” Rahimullah stated. “Police presence has intensified, and landlords are evicting Afghans everywhere.”

Social media has circulated videos allegedly from Quetta showing Pakistani police using trucks to detain Afghan migrants. Residents in Hazara Town reported that police were conducting door-to-door searches, inspecting homes and businesses, and arresting individuals without legal documentation.

Tayeba Hussaini, a Quetta resident, described the situation as “worse than what is portrayed online.” She noted that authorities had blocked roads and were apprehending anyone suspected of being an undocumented Afghan, as cited by Khaama Press and Radio Azadi.

Afghan refugees have appealed to Pakistani authorities and the United Nations to alleviate the pressure and extend their visas, expressing fears of deportation or detention without valid documents.