In a dramatic escalation of border and immigration policy, the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan has issued a sweeping directive to all law enforcement, military, and paramilitary forces, mandating the immediate arrest of any Afghan national found within Pakistani territory starting July 10, 2026. The order, which appears to target undocumented or potentially unauthorized Afghan residents, signals a major shift in Pakistan's stance toward its neighbor amid ongoing tensions, security concerns, and the protracted humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. While the government frames this as a necessary measure to curb illegal immigration, cross-border militancy, and resource strain, critics argue that such a blanket arrest policy—without clear exemptions for refugees, asylum seekers, or those with valid documentation—risks violating international law and human rights. The directive could affect hundreds of thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan, many of whom fled conflict and economic collapse. In my opinion, while Pakistan has legitimate security and economic concerns, a mass arrest order is a blunt and potentially dangerous instrument. It places an impossible burden on already stretched forces, invites diplomatic backlash from Afghanistan and international bodies, and may criminalize vulnerable populations who have no safe alternative. A more measured, transparent, and case-by-case approach—paired with humanitarian protections and regional cooperation—would better serve Pakistan's long-term stability and moral standing.