ISLAMABAD: Simultaneous joint search and combing operations are currently underway, spanning from the industrial area zone of Islamabad to Rawalpindi, Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Attock. These operations aim to ensure the effective implementation of the state’s authority.
During the operations, phased screening was conducted in residential areas, markets, bases, and other sensitive locations. More than 580 personnel were deployed, including police, female officers, elite forces, dolphin units, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Rangers, and various intelligence agencies.
The primary goal of this operation is to verify the visa status, residence records, and identity documents of Afghan citizens residing illegally in Pakistan and to transfer them to holding centers in a phased manner. A total of 95 illegal Afghan citizens were arrested during these operations, while legal proceedings were initiated, and drug and arms seizures were made against other suspects.
Authorities have stated that residence in Pakistan is only permitted on legal grounds and that a phased and indiscriminate crackdown will continue against unregistered or illegal Afghan citizens.
Details of the operations, in the Industrial Area Zone of Islamabad, 243 houses, 14 hostels, 15 hotels, 89 vehicles, 127 motorcycles, and 578 individuals were checked. Seven suspects were taken to the police station, and one undocumented motorcycle was seized.
In Rawalpindi’s New Town, Dhok Babu Irfan, Double Road, Pandora, and Faizabad, 180 houses, 65 shops, 2 hostels, 55 vehicles, and 75 motorcycles were inspected. FIRs were registered against 40 Afghan nationals, all of whom were transferred to the Afghan Holding Center in Dhok Syedan.
Screening of houses, shops, and individuals in Murree, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Attock is also ongoing, with arrests and legal actions being implemented against illegal Afghan nationals.
The authorities have clarified that state readiness and enforcement operations will continue simultaneously, with measures against illegal Afghan nationals remaining a priority.
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