Authorities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province have arrested 129 Afghan refugees in Peshawar this week, in the aftermath of Afghan independence day celebrations that sparked riots.
Reports indicate that on the night of the 18th of August, Afghan nationals were marking the independence day of Afghanistan, when anti-Pakistan slogans began to be raised. These slogans led to clashes after local youth arrived on the scene to prevent the sloganeering. Authorities state that the Afghan protesters had blocked roads, and the counter-protesters’ demand to clear these blockades led to clashes.
As Peshawar police took action, they arrested 29 Afghan nationals on the spot. The remaining arrests were made in subsequent raids around Peshawar. Reports indicate that arrested individuals have been charged with hurling stones at police, damaging public property and disruption of public order.
Police authorities have stated, “We are taking the case seriously and if the arrested refugees are convicted then they will be deported back to Afghanistan.”
