Transfer of Detained Afghans from the U.S. to Pakistan; Concerns Regarding the Fate of Former Associates of U.S. Forces

Kabul Times News | Report by Tabassum Aslamyar

U.S. media outlets have reported that the United States government intends to transfer a number of Afghan nationals—currently held in U.S. immigration detention centers—to Pakistan. It is reported that this group includes family members of Afghans who previously collaborated with U.S. forces.

According to a report by Bloomberg Law, a flight to transport these individuals could take place in the coming weeks; however, the U.S. government has not yet made an official announcement regarding this matter.

In its weekly report dated October 26, 2026, the advocacy group "AfghanEvac" stated that it had received information regarding preparations for a special flight. According to the organization, the flight could potentially depart from the U.S. state of Louisiana during the first week of November, though its final destination remains unclear.

Based on information from the organization, some detainees have been told they might be sent to Pakistan, while others have been told they could be transferred to Afghanistan. The possibility of using Pakistan as a transit point for onward travel to Afghanistan has also been raised. Nevertheless, the legal counsel for these individuals has yet to receive clear information regarding their ultimate destination.

Meanwhile, many Afghans who previously collaborated with U.S. forces and Western institutions—currently located in the United States, Qatar, Pakistan, Iran, and other countries—continue to face uncertainty regarding the status of their immigration cases and their own future. Migrant rights advocates emphasize that, prior to any transfer, the legal status of the individuals must be clarified, their legal rights upheld, and potential risks to their safety carefully assessed.

As of the time of this report’s publication, the final destination of the potential flight and the U.S. government’s official decision regarding the transfer of these Afghans have not been confirmed.