Aliens’ registration: Registering illegal immigrants will lower crime, authorities hope

Most of these people are living in the outskirts of the city.

KARACHI: The city authorities believe that crime rates can be lowered if illegal immigrants are registered properly with the government.

There are at least two million illegal immigrants in Karachi alone, said an official, adding that most of these people are Afghans, Bengalis, Burmese, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Rohingyas.

The largest of these immigrant groups are the Afghans whose number exceeds one million. The authorities are, however, reluctant to gather data on them as they are living in the outskirts of the city, in Afghani Basti, Sohrab Goth, Kunwari Colony, Baldia, Keamari, Machhar Colony, etc. “These areas are highly vulnerable in terms of the presence of Taliban,” said a senior police officer on the condition of anonymity. “Law enforcement agencies could not even enter some of these areas.” He felt that registration of immigrants will address the law and order situation in the city to a large extent.

A Rangers official also agreed that Manghopir and its adjoining neighbourhoods are highly sensitive due to the presence of illegal immigrants who are part of the Taliban. “During the ongoing targeted operation, it is a top priority for the Rangers to sweep out criminals elements from every corner of the city,” he said. “We have been directed to abolish all no-go areas and, after some time, people will see our efficiency.”

Agreeing that the presence of militants is a major issue, commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui asked the officials of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and the National Alien Registration Authority (Nara) to maintain computerised data of illegal immigrants as soon as possible. To make sure the targeted operations are effective, Siddiqui directed Nara to establish a biometric system.

“A task force would be formed at the district level, under the office of the deputy commissioners, in which the comprehensive data of illegal immigrants could be maintained,” he informed.

During the meeting, NADRA director Syed Nayab Hussain mentioned that he has requested the interior ministry to provide all necessary technology to Nara.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 18^th, 2013.