Afghan migrants in Islamabad have accused Pakistani police of carrying out a new wave of arrests targeting Afghans and releasing detainees only after collecting bribes.

Migrants said police extortion has intensified, with demands in some cases reaching up to 100,000 Pakistani rupees.

Samiullah (a pseudonym), an Afghan migrant in Islamabad, said his younger brother was arrested two nights ago but released after paying 20,000 rupees. “Almost every night, police patrol different parts of the city and arrest Afghans,” he told Afghanistan International. “They mostly detain young men and demand money along the way.”

Another Afghan migrant, Aman (a pseudonym), said police have become increasingly demanding. “Previously, police would release Afghans for 20,000 rupees,” he said. “Now they won’t accept less than 100,000.”

Migrants claim police are aware of their residences and are targeting neighbourhoods where recently arrived Afghans live.

The allegations come amid growing reports of mistreatment and extortion of Afghan migrants by Pakistani authorities. In recent months, Islamabad has also suspended visa extensions for Afghans who entered the country legally, leaving many at risk of deportation.

Following heightened border tensions with the Taliban, Pakistan has announced plans to expel all undocumented Afghan migrants from the country.