Over 350 Afghan nationals detained in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI:

The crackdown on illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, continued across Rawalpindi, with over 350 individuals transferred to the holding centre at Golra Mor, police said on Sunday.

According to officials, police and district administration teams are conducting raids across the city, targeting individuals who either possess Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), have expired visas or lack residential documentation. From April 1 till now, a total of 353 Afghan nationals have been taken into custody and shifted to the Golra Mor holding centre.

According to sources, 119 Afghan citizens carrying ACCs were detained, while 234 others were apprehended for failing to provide any proof of residence or legal documentation. No Afghan national has been detained under the expired visa category so far.

Police officials confirmed that all 353 detainees were being held at the Golra Mor centre, where security has been tightened. Under strict directives issued by Rawalpindi CPO Khalid Hamdani, police personnel have been deployed at the centre in three shifts.

Moreover, a detailed report on the ongoing operations is submitted to the CPO every four hours.

Rawalpindi district is divided into three divisions for the purpose of this operation: from the Rawal Division alone, 117 Afghan nationals have been shifted to the holding centre; from Potohar Division, covering cantonment and surrounding areas, 147 individuals have been transferred; while from Saddar Division, which includes rural and peripheral zones, 89 Afghan nationals have been taken into custody and moved to the centre.