K-P stops arrest of illegal Afghans

Police say decision taken over border closure

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police has announced the temporary suspension of arrests of illegally residing Afghan nationals in view of the ongoing border closure and the prevailing situation.

According to a spokesperson for the police, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has taken notice of the current border conditions and issued special directives to this effect.

Under the orders, officers in the concerned districts have been clearly instructed to immediately halt further arrests of illegal Afghan residents until further instructions.

The spokesperson said the decision has been taken keeping in view humanitarian considerations and administrative requirements under the present circumstances.

The IGP has directed officers to strictly avoid initiating any new arrests during this sensitive period.

The spokesperson clarified that the decision is temporary in nature and has been taken solely due to the existing border situation.

The future course of action will be determined in the light of fresh directives to be issued by the Government of Pakistan.

Reiterating the police stance, the spokesperson said that while arrests have been suspended, the KP Police will continue to take all necessary measures to protect citizens' rights and maintain law and order across the province.