Thirteen Afghan Doctors and Student Arrested in Punjab, Pakistan

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: Police have arrested 13 Afghan doctors and one medical student in Multan city of Pakistan's Punjab province and took them to a deportation centre. The arrests were made despite the group saying that their visa applications have remained pending for nearly a year, local media reported on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the detainees said that police arrested them from a government hospital in Multan before taking them to a detention facility in Attock, where they now face possible deportation. The group said they had applied for new visas or visa extensions about a year ago; however, Pakistani authorities did not yet take any decision on it, Afghanistan-based news agency Khaama Press reported.

According to detainees, five of them had applied for entry visas while the other doctors requested an extension of their existing visas. They said Pakistani police and security agencies had repeatedly checked their documents over the past year; however, their immigration cases remained pending without any official resolution.

The arrest of Afghan doctors and the medical student comes at a time of heightened scrutiny and increased enforcement of immigration laws in Pakistan, particularly targeting Afghan nationals. This situation is indicative of the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, particularly following the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Since that time, many Afghans have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Pakistan, which has historically been home to millions of Afghan refugees.

The doctors voiced concern that they could be deported to Afghanistan before completing their medical specialization and training programs. They requested the Pakistani government and Afghan authorities to intervene and allow them to remain in Pakistan until they complete their studies, Khaama Press reported. This underscores the precarious position of many Afghan professionals who have sought educational and vocational opportunities abroad, only to find themselves caught in a complex web of immigration laws and political circumstances.

In recent months, Pakistan has intensified its crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals, particularly targeting Afghan people. This has included increased detention and deportation operations, which have raised concerns among human rights organizations regarding the treatment of Afghan refugees and the implications of such policies on their safety and well-being.

In addition to the arrests of the Afghan medical professionals, reports indicate that a total of 525 Afghan families were repatriated from Pakistan to Afghanistan as three refugee camps in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were completely vacated. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Umar Khittab Khan stated that the phased repatriation of Afghan refugees was being conducted as per the orders issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, Pakistani daily Dawn reported.

This repatriation process reflects a broader governmental policy aimed at addressing the presence of Afghan nationals in Pakistan, particularly those who have overstayed their visas or lack proper documentation. The ADC emphasized that authorities were now focusing on Afghan nationals who lived in rented houses and private residences in Bannu and other surrounding areas. He noted that the records of Afghan nationals were being shared with their respective police stations, and efforts were being made to conduct their early repatriation.

The urgency of these actions is further highlighted by the fact that on June 28, Pakistan's Ministry of Interior ordered the immediate arrest of any Afghan national found living in the country without a valid visa, effective from July 10. This directive has significant implications for the Afghan community in Pakistan, many of whom may be unaware of their legal status or may be in the process of seeking extensions or new visas.

Pakistan's renewed deportation drive initially launched in 2023 has roots in a long-standing tension regarding the status of Afghan refugees in the country. In April 2022, the government rescinded hundreds of thousands of residence permits for Afghans, warning them of arrests if they did not leave the country. This policy has been met with criticism from human rights advocates who argue that it places vulnerable populations at risk and fails to consider the dire conditions many Afghans face upon return to their home country.

The broader implications of these actions extend beyond the immediate legal ramifications for those affected. They raise questions about the future of Afghan professionals in Pakistan, the stability of the Afghan healthcare system, and the ongoing humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. The departure of skilled medical personnel could exacerbate an already strained healthcare system in Afghanistan, where access to medical care has been severely limited by ongoing conflict, economic instability, and the Taliban's governance.

As the situation evolves, it is crucial for both Pakistani and Afghan authorities to engage in dialogue to address the complexities surrounding Afghan nationals in Pakistan. Collaborative efforts could lead to more humane and effective immigration policies that take into account the rights and needs of refugees and asylum seekers while also addressing national security concerns. The plight of the 13 Afghan doctors and medical student serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the importance of protecting those who seek safety and opportunity in foreign lands.

In conclusion, the arrests of Afghan doctors in Multan highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan nationals in Pakistan amid a backdrop of shifting political dynamics and stringent immigration enforcement. As the situation continues to unfold, the implications for the individuals involved and the broader Afghan community remain significant, necessitating a careful examination of policies and practices that affect their lives and futures.