Web Desk: Security forces have detained 1,686 Afghan nationals during a series of operations targeting undocumented migrants in the southwestern province of Balochistan, authorities said on Sunday, as Islamabad presses ahead with its nationwide repatriation campaign.
Security forces carried out 40 operations across Balochistan’s border districts, resulting in the detention of the Afghan nationals, according to official figures. Authorities said 1,257 of those detained were promptly repatriated to Afghanistan, while the remaining individuals are undergoing legal and administrative processing.
The latest operations form part of Pakistan’s broader campaign against undocumented foreign nationals, with officials saying the measures are intended to strengthen border management, enforce immigration laws and disrupt human smuggling networks.
Authorities described illegal migration and cross-border smuggling networks as significant challenges to national security, public order and economic stability. They said security forces would continue coordinated operations to dismantle trafficking networks and prevent unauthorized cross-border movement.
Pakistan has accelerated its Afghan repatriation drive since launching a nationwide crackdown on undocumented foreigners in late 2023. The campaign initially focused on migrants without valid legal documents before expanding in 2025 to include holders of certain temporary documentation whose permission to remain in the country had expired.
The government says the repatriation policy is aimed at enforcing immigration laws, improving border security and addressing security concerns. Officials have repeatedly maintained that returns are being conducted in accordance with established legal procedures.
The policy has, however, drawn concern from the United Nations, humanitarian agencies and rights organizations, which have urged Pakistan to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe and consistent with international humanitarian obligations, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Balochistan, which shares a long and porous border with Afghanistan, remains a key focus of Pakistan’s border security strategy. Authorities say enhanced surveillance, tighter border controls and sustained enforcement operations are intended to curb illegal crossings, disrupt organised smuggling networks and maintain stability in frontier regions.
Officials said security forces would continue operations against undocumented migrants and human trafficking networks as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border management and uphold Pakistani law.
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