Govt starts nationwide operation against illegal immigrants

The government deployed law enforcement personnel at various holding camps across the country after the deadline for illegal residents to voluntarily leave the country lapsed on Wednesday, November 1 (today).

Authorities have begun a coordinated nationwide operation to ensure their deportation.

In Karachi, a significant contingent of police has been stationed at holding camps designated for those who have been residing illegally in the country.

As part of this initiative, foreign migrants are being relocated to the old Haji camp for temporary accommodation. Simultaneously, an extensive operation is underway to identify and deport individuals who have not registered for repatriation and those who continue to illegally reside in the country without authorisation.

According to sources, the highest concentration of 'aliens' is reported in District East, Sohrab Goth, and adjoining areas of Karachi, where approximately 165,000 immigrants are estimated to be living unlawfully.

Meanwhile, in Chaman, a considerable number of Afghan nationals who were residing illegally in different parts of the country have converged, registering themselves for repatriation.

These individuals are being housed in camps established to accommodate Afghan refugee families. To date, around 5,000 Afghan refugees have arrived at the Chaman center after completing the registration process.

Read: Illegal aliens to be housed in camps till expulsion

Reports from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suggest that 51,044 foreigners residing unlawfully have been identified across various districts. Detailed official documentation highlights that among these individuals, more than 24,000 are adults, while over 25,000 are children.

Peshawar leads with the highest count of illegal residents at 22,752, comprising 5,826 men, 5,800 women, and 11,000 children. Moreover, significant numbers have been reported in other districts including Nowshera (7,185), Khyber (5,173), Mansehra (2,700), among others, totaling to 51,044.

The campaign to repatriate illegal foreign nationals has already commenced, resulting in the return of 5,265 families, consisting of 140,085 individuals, between October 1 and October 31, as confirmed by the Afghan Commissionerate sources.

Authorities maintain that the operation aims to ensure compliance with the law while addressing the issue of illegal residency across the country.