ISLAMABAD: Authorities have launched a nationwide crackdown against Afghan nationals residing in the country without valid visas after the expiry of the government-set deadline for regularizing their stay.
According to police officials, 158 Afghan nationals were taken into custody in Rawalpindi between July 4 and July 25 and shifted to a holding camp for further verification. Several of those detained have since been repatriated to Afghanistan following the completion of the required formalities.
Officials said Afghan nationals found residing in Pakistan without valid visas would be arrested immediately, adding that the campaign to detain and deport undocumented foreign nationals would be intensified across the country.
They further said daily reports on arrests and enforcement actions would be submitted to the Ministry of Interior.
The nationwide operation follows directives issued by the Ministry of Interior to the governments of all provinces, as well as the administrations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan and Islamabad, instructing them to enforce immigration laws against foreigners staying in Pakistan without valid travel documents or visas.
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