Unregistered: 45 Afghan citizens arrested

HARIPUR/ PABBI:

At least 45 unregistered Afghan citizens, including two proclaimed offenders and 16 seminary students, were arrested during crackdowns in Pabbi and Haripur districts.

Pabbi police SHO Shad Ali Khan said the search operation was launched on the directives of Nowshera DPO Rab Nawaz Khan on Sunday. The SHO said separate cases were registered against all 29 detainees, adding two pistols were also seized from the possession of the proclaimed offenders. Police searched over 100 vehicles and also visited rented houses registered with them. Nowshera circle DPS Adnan Azam said the operation will continue and action will be taken against all landowners who have rented out their property without informing the police.

At least 16 Afghan students, illegally staying at a seminary in Haripur district, were sent on judicial remand on Sunday. The Khalabat Township SHO said Madrassa Ziaul Uloom in Padhana camp was raided on Saturday evening and the students were detained after they failed to produce registration papers. Seminary in charge Maulana Wahidullah was also arrested during the operation.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2015.