Action against aliens ramped up

Move comes in wake of expiry of deadline for ‘voluntary repatriation’

RAWALPINDI:

In a decisive move, the authorities in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other adjoining districts have commenced the deportation process of illegal residents, including the undocumented Afghans, by intensifying the operations in various areas.

According to official sources, in a 48-hour operation, 446 Afghans from all four districts of the Rawalpindi division were detained and transferred to various holding centres. These illegal settlers will be sent back to their home country today [Friday] in a large convoy from Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal districts while elite commandoes will be deployed to ensure the convoy’s security.

Similarly, the administration of the federal capital Thursday moved at least 64 Afghan nationals to the Torkham border crossing for deportation. Working in conjunction, the Islamabad Police, district administration, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and prison authorities have collaborated to hand over these individuals for necessary actions.

Under the vigilant supervision of Islamabad Police, individuals designated for deportation have been escorted back to their respective home countries. This initiative comes as a result of the expiration of the allotted time for illegal resident individuals.

Islamabad police officials said a team of the FIA and the capital police the other day transported the prisoners in two buses from Adiala jail to the border under strict security measures. The remaining prisoners will be shifted to the border in different phases.

Meanwhile, Shalimar police have also arrested over two dozen Afghan refugees and the process of their identity verification was under way.

Read ‘Over 2,000 illegal immigrants deported’

On the other hand, sources in the Rawalpindi administration told The Express Tribune that the operations against illegal immigrants were intensified in all four districts of the division. “A total of 446 illegal Afghan residents have been detained during the last two days; 14 in Rawalpindi, 117 in Jhelum, 240 in Attock and 75 in Chakwal,” they said.

Voluntary repatriation

Earlier on Thursday, Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chattha along with Deputy Commissioner Dr Hasan Waqar Cheema visited the camp set up at Khayaban Sir Syed for repatriation of illegal foreigners.

The commissioner and the DC reviewed all the arrangements made to facilitate the illegal migrants. They directed that the Cantt assistant commissioner remain stationed at the centre to supervise all the arrangements and the repatriation process. “No country allows a citizen to reside illegally in the country as illegal residents cannot be brought under the law, which increases the crime rate,” he said.

“NADRA desks had also been set up at the centres, where the records of those brought were checked immediately,” Chattha said and added that a control room had been set up to ensure fool-proof security from where continuous monitoring was being done.

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“Those who have license, card and reason for the stay are released,” the commissioner said, adding a medical camp and adequate arrangements had also been made in the centre for the security of the illegal foreign nationals.

He said: “The illegal residents who are being brought to the centre do not face any difficulty. Instead, they are being treated like guests and food, drinks, medical and security are being provided to them,” he said.

Chattha said the illegal residents would be sent back to Afghanistan from the Torkham border on Friday and Saturday.

Responding to a question, he said nearly 1,000 illegal aliens had voluntarily returned from Rawalpindi. “Some illegal housing societies had kept illegal foreigners as guards and a strict operation is going on against them,” he said, adding the operation will continue till the last illegal foreign national is deported.

Raising awareness

Simultaneously, awareness messages are being disseminated to raise awareness among illegal foreign residents. Authorities have emphasised the consequences of providing shelter or employment to such individuals, reiterating that legal action will be taken against any parties involved in such activities.

Read Deportation of illegals challenged in LHC

It has been emphasised that adhering to Pakistani laws remains the sole option for foreign residents in Pakistan. Authorities have urged the public to report any illegal foreign residents or related activities through the 15 or ICT 15 app, emphasising the importance of collective efforts in maintaining law and order within the country.

Police have formed special teams to arrest illegal residents and also planned a ‘grand operation’ in the vicinity of Pirwadahi to round up more refugees. The raiding teams have also been directed to handle the detention of ‘illegal immigrants’ with extra caution.

With additional input from APP

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 3^rd, 2023.