By: Zubaida
Chagai, Balochistan – Pakistani security forces detained 72 Afghan nationals in the Chagai district of Balochistan due to a lack of legal travel documents, local media reported. The arrests, carried out by the Levies Forces—a paramilitary unit operating in Pakistan’s tribal regions—are the latest in a series of operations targeting undocumented migrants.
Speaking to the Dawn reporter, a senior Levies officer confirmed that the detained individuals were deported back to Afghanistan after their documentation status was reviewed. “This action is part of ongoing measures to regulate cross-border movement and ensure adherence to immigration laws,” the officer stated.
The Levies Forces have conducted multiple operations throughout 2024 to address the influx of undocumented Afghan nationals. According to the official, the unit carried out 10 joint operations this year, resulting in the arrest of 3,826 Afghan nationals at various crossing points. The detainees included 2,779 men, 338 women, and 290 children, highlighting the scale and complexity of undocumented migration in the region.
Chagai, located near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, is a significant migrant transit point. The region has seen heightened security measures amid increasing concerns over illegal crossings. Authorities emphasize that these operations aim to maintain border security and address challenges related to undocumented migration.
The deportations come amid strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan over border security issues and the treatment of Afghan refugees. Rights organizations have called for humane treatment of migrants, particularly women and children, and urged regional cooperation to address the root causes of migration.
As border tensions persist, the fate of undocumented Afghan nationals remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader regional challenges in managing migration and ensuring security.
