12 Afghans arrested in massive crackdown in Islamabad, Punjab cities

As many as 12 Afghans, who had been living in Pakistan illegally, have been arrested in a crackdown launched in Islamabad and other cities of upper Punjab, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Thursday.

The law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) personnel have carried out joint search and combing operations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Jhelum and Chakwal.

The LEAs personnel have scanned localities, bazaars and hotels, taken the Afghans into custody and registered cases against them.

The message from the state of Pakistan is that whoever will live in the country will live legally, and that the crackdown on illegal immigrants will continue. 

On Sunday, 24News TV channel reported that a crackdown had been launched against the Afghans, living illegally in the country, across Islamabad and other cities of Punjab.
Police, Pakistan Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies conducted joint search-and-combing operations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal, while security around mosques was also tightened.
In Islamabad’s Tarnol, Ittihad Colony, and surrounding areas, the operation involved 150 police officers, including 12 Lady Police, alongside CTD personnel, 15 Rangers, and intelligence staff.
Officials said 165 houses were searched, 26 vehicles and 48 motorcycles were checked, and 570 individuals were screened.
Overall, 51 people were arrested, including 16 Afghan nationals.
In Rawalpindi’s Dhok Kashmirian and adjoining areas within Sadiqabad Police Station limits, 50 houses, 15 vehicles, 10 motorcycles, and 120 individuals were checked.

Eleven individuals found without rental agreements were released after registration instructions and formal warnings.
In Chakwal, authorities searched 47 houses and shops, checked documents of 98 individuals, and involved Lady Police officers in the operation.
Search and combing operations continued against illegal Afghan nationals in Jhelum, in which 92 homes were checked, and mapping of 36 suspicious persons was concluded.
Monitoring in Murree has also been intensified as part of the ongoing crackdown. During the operation, verification and screening of Afghan nationals' documents were conducted. 
Law enforcement agencies directed relevant officials to adopt zero tolerance policy against illegal Afghan nationals.