Chaman ( The COW News Digital)Pakistani authorities have launched a major crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals residing in Chaman, following directives issued by the federal government to enforce immigration laws and deport those without valid documentation.
According to Levies officials, operations began late at night in several parts of Chaman city where Afghan nationals were believed to be living without valid immigration documents. The law enforcement teams conducted house-to-house searches, verifying identification documents including Proof of Registration (PoR) cards and refugee status cards issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Officials confirmed that Afghan nationals whose legal stay in Pakistan had expired or who lacked proper documentation such as Afghan passports and Pakistani visas were warned to leave the country voluntarily. Authorities cautioned that failure to do so would result in strict legal action, including detention and forced deportation.
The Deputy Commissioner of Chaman reiterated that no Afghan national is permitted to reside in Pakistan without proper documents. He stated that comprehensive operations by the Levies and police forces are currently underway, targeting all illegal residents, whether Afghan or from any other nationality.
“Anyone without valid documents—regardless of nationality—will be apprehended and deported in accordance with federal and provincial directives,” the Deputy Commissioner added, emphasizing that full implementation of the government’s orders is in effect.
This move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to regulate its borders and tackle undocumented migration, particularly in light of increasing national security concerns and pressure on limited resources in border regions like Balochistan.
Human rights groups and international organizations have previously raised concerns about mass deportations without due process. However, Pakistani officials insist that legal residents, especially those with PoR cards or pending asylum applications, are being given fair notice.
Over the past year, Pakistan has deported thousands of undocumented Afghan nationals, particularly after the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, which triggered a new wave of refugees. The Pakistani government claims it cannot indefinitely sustain the burden of illegal immigration without documentation or international assistance.
The operation is expected to continue over the coming days, with heightened border surveillance and increased scrutiny of identification documents in key cities near the Afghan border.
