Operation launched against illegal aliens in Karachi

An operation has been launched against more than 200,000 illegal aliens in the metropolitan city after the November 1 deadline for them to leave voluntarily expired on Wednesday. Action is being taken against illegal immigrants and their facilitators and protectors during the operation initiated simultaneously in all seven districts of Karachi.

The law enforcement agencies are preparing for potential resistance during the operation, particularly in areas like Sohrab Goth, and the slums around it. “The federal government had set one-month deadline for foreign nationals staying illegally in the country to return voluntarily to their respective countries,” Irfan Ali Bahadur, SSP for East District, told The Express Tribune. “Holding Centres have been set up in Karachi and throughout the country to facilitate their surrender,” he added.

Many foreigners, particularly Afghan nationals, chose to return voluntarily with their families and belongings. However, those without proper documentation were arrested by police, had their criminal records checked, and charged under the Foreigners Act and other relevant laws. Subsequently, they were handed over to the FIA for deportation. Refugees with valid documents were released on bail by the court.

Acting upon the orders of Sindh’s caretaker home minister, IG and AIG Sindh police, SSPs of the seven districts, led by the DIGs of the three police zones in Karachi, launched this operation. The initial arrests were made by Saddar police who detained four illegal Afghan aliens identified as Noor Shah, Kamran Khan, Umar Gul, and Andalib.

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They were shifted to the Holding Camp set up at Old Haji Camp in Sultanabad area, where officials from the FIA, Customs, and NADRA prepared temporary documents for them for their subsequent deportation.

Meanwhile, a heavy police contingent, led by SP Aziz Ahmed, launched an operation in Sohrab Goth, Machar Colony, and Al-Asif Square. They took several suspects into custody, transferring them to the SP office. The operation followed announcements on loudspeakers for illegal immigrants to voluntarily leave the country.

According to a conservative estimate, more than 20,000 illegal aliens have returned to their countries, while 50,000 to 100,000 immigrants are still present. SP Aziz Ahmed stated that more than 1,000 foreign nationals have been apprehended by October 31. He added that areas with a high number of immigrants have been identified, and operations would be conducted there.

Police personnel stand guard outside a holding centre, newly opened to process and deport Afghans in Karachi on November 1, 2023. PHOTO: AFP

In the second phase, those immigrants with illegal documents, including identity cards and passports, will be arrested and punished in accordance with Pakistani law before their deportation to their home countries, officials said. Sources have added that the Sindh government has blocked the ID cards of most illegal aliens through NADRA and their assets will be confiscated.

In the third phase, settlements occupied by illegal aliens in various areas of the metropolitan city, including Super Highway, will be demolished. The Special Branch SSP is assisting other law enforcement agencies, including police. Heavy machinery will be used to raze illegal settlements, and strict legal action will be taken against those who resist. Apart from police, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies will also participate in the operation.

Official data suggests that around 75,000 illegal foreigners reside in District East, 9,000 in District Central, 7,000 in District South, 9,000 in District Central, 13,000 in Malir, and 8,000 in District Keamari. However, unofficial data indicates that more than 400,000 Afghans reside in Karachi alone.

Police officials report that 65,000 foreigners have settled in Gulzar-e-Hijri, creating illegal societies. Moreover, foreigners work as garbage collectors, operate vehicles such as pickup trucks, and engage in various jobs throughout the city, including junk shops, tandoors, tea shops, retail outlets, and cement and gravel stores.