Joint enforcement drive targets illegal Afghan residents during Ramazan

Joint police, Rangers, CTD operations led to 51 arrests after hundreds screened in Tarnol, other cities

ISLAMABAD:

A large crackdown was carried out against illegally residing Afghan nationals in Islamabad and several other cities on Thursday, with more than 2,000 personnel mobilised.

According to officials, the police, Pakistan Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies conducted joint search-and-comb operations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal, while security at mosques was also tightened.

In Islamabad's Tarnol, Ittihad Colony and surrounding areas, a joint search operation involving 150 police officers (of which 12 were Lady Police officers) and CTD personnel, 15 Rangers, and intelligence agencies. A total of 165 houses were searched, 48 motorcycles and 26 vehicles checked, and 570 individuals were screened.

Overall, 51 individuals were arrested, of whom 16 were Afghan nationals.

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A joint search operation was also conducted in Rawalpindi's Dhok Kashmirian and adjoining areas within Sadiqabad Police Station limits. 120 individuals, 50 houses, 15 vehicles, and 10 motorcycles were checked.

During this operation, 11 individuals were found without rental agreements; they were released after registration instructions and formal warnings.

A late-night joint combing operation in 4 areas in Dina led to 25 houses being searched, 62 individuals checked, and 18 residents fully profiled. Verification against illegal Afghan nationals became stricter. 

In Chakwal, 47 houses, shops, and vehicles were searched, and documents of 98 individuals were checked. Lady police officers also took part in the operation. No arrests were made.

Simultaneous search and combing also occurred at five locations in Attock; 747 personnel were on security duty conducting screening of illegal Afghan nationals alongside protection of 230 mosques.

Additionally, monitoring in Murree, Jhelum and its surrounding areas has been further intensified. 

Security has been appointed at 47 mosques in Murree, along with 36 pickets and 24 patrolling points established. 160 personnel have been deployed. There is an increased deployment at key intersections and along the GT Road.