[Islamabad]The Afghan Embassy in Islamabad, as quoted by the state-run ‘Bakhtar News Agency, clarified that Afghan refugees in Pakistan have no involvement in political or criminal activities.

The embassy voiced its worries about Pakistan’s Interior Ministry and other officials repeatedly linking Afghan citizens to the violent protests organized by Imran Khan’s PTI party on November 26-27.

Highlighting the growing restrictions on Afghan migrants, the embassy noted the anxiety these measures have caused, raising fears of potential harassment by Pakistani authorities.

The Afghan Embassy clarified that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are not involved in political or criminal activities despite claims by officials.

It emphasized that Afghan refugees have always lived peacefully in Pakistan, contributing positively to its economy, and have refrained from political activism or public protests.

The embassy urged the Pakistani government to prevent an atmosphere of distrust that could lead to unjust treatment and forced displacement of Afghan refugees.

It cautioned that such actions would harm Afghan citizens and potentially worsen ties between the neighbouring nations.

Earlier, Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that Afghan nationals were arrested during protests in Islamabad.

She cautioned that the involvement of foreign nationals in Pakistani political protests is illegal and emphasized that all foreigners should refrain from engaging in Pakistan’s political matters.

Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Information Minister Atta Tarar made similar statements about Afghan citizens participating in the PTI march.

Tarar noted that at least 37 Afghan nationals took part in the demonstration, and an Afghan national has been apprehended at D-Square, and the police have confiscated approximately 45 firearms.”

Following the violent protests in Islamabad, Pakistan decided that no Afghan citizen would be allowed to remain in the federal capital, Islamabad, after December 31, without obtaining a No Objection Certificate.

New restrictions requiring Afghan citizens to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to stay in Islamabad could lead to forced displacement.

Sources say that the decision came after government officials claimed that scores of Afghan nationals participated in recent violent protests organized by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the federal capital.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, stated last Wednesday in Islamabad that the decision was made to enhance security and provide better oversight of foreign residents in the capital.

“Any Afghan citizen wishing to stay in Islamabad must obtain an NOC from the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Without this document, no Afghan national will be permitted to reside in the city,” he underscored.

This decision is part of Pakistan’s ongoing measures addressing Afghan nationals residing in the country without legal documentation.

Since the launch of a deportation drive in November last year, nearly 800,000 Afghans identified as “illegal residents” by Islamabad have been repatriated—a move that has prompted responses from international governments and rights organizations.

The decision to require Afghan citizens in Islamabad to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or face expulsion is expected to have significant social, economic, and humanitarian consequences.

Many Afghans, including those who fled persecution or conflict in Afghanistan, may face forced displacement, leaving them in a state of heightened uncertainty and fear. For those who have lived in Pakistan for years, being uprooted from their homes and communities could have devastating effects.

Afghan refugees have historically contributed positively to Pakistan’s economy and should not be subjected to harassment or distrust.

Afghans without legal documentation are already vulnerable to exploitation and harassment, and the new policy may exacerbate these risks.

The added pressure to acquire an NOC, which involves navigating bureaucratic hurdles, may be insurmountable for individuals with limited financial resources or access to official channels. This could push many further into the shadows, increasing their vulnerability.

The economic impact is also likely to be severe, as Afghan citizens play a critical role in Pakistan’s informal labour force, including sectors like construction and domestic work.

The inability to secure an NOC may force many out of employment, worsening poverty for families already struggling to survive. Additionally, families with mixed legal statuses may face heart-breaking separations if some members cannot meet the requirements to stay in Islamabad.

The federal government’s decision is expected to have additional repercussions, particularly for thousands of Afghan workers employed in Islamabad’s vegetable market.

Known as one of the largest vegetable and fruit markets in Asia, this hub receives thousands of tons of produce daily from Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia, distributing it across Pakistan, except Punjab.

Afghan nationals reportedly dominate this sector, controlling up to ninety percent of the market’s operations.

The enforcement of stricter residency requirements could disrupt the livelihoods of Afghan workers who play a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain.

The decision to require an NOC may exacerbate vulnerabilities for Afghan nationals already facing economic and social challenges.

Such a move might displace these workers and impact the market’s efficiency and the broader economy, potentially leading to shortages or price fluctuations in produce across the country.

Returning to Afghanistan is often not an option due to ongoing insecurity and inadequate basic services, leaving many Afghans stranded without safe alternatives.

Women, children, and other vulnerable groups are particularly affected, as they already face significant challenges in accessing essential services like healthcare and education.

The decision will also impact hundreds of Afghans in Islamabad who worked with the US and European forces during the War on Terror and were promised asylum by these countries after the Taliban took power.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.