Rawalpindi:Punjab, Rawalpindi police have launched an extensive, citywide crackdown targeting Afghan and other foreign nationals residing illegally in the district.
The operation, which involves special raiding and searching teams comprising area police and the police intelligence department, has already resulted in significant arrests. 74 illegal Afghan immigrants have been taken into custody and shifted to a designated holding center for further legal processing, the police said, adding, 20 cases have been registered against violators.
Five landlords have been arrested for illegally renting out property to Afghan nationals, indicating a firm focus on those who aid undocumented residents. The cases have been registered across numerous police jurisdictions, highlighting the breadth of the operation, including the Saddar Bairooni, Jatli, Rawat, Gujar Khan, Dhamial, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Saddar Wah, Civil Lines, Morgah, Naseerabad, Pirwadhai, Waris Khan, and Banni police stations.
The Punjab government has already issued strict warning to citizens and the local police authorities have announced a strict public advisory urging citizens to cease all dealings with illegal foreign residents. The directives include clear warnings that, property cannot be rented out or sold to any illegally residing foreign national. This applies to houses, shops, and all other types of property.
Citizens are prohibited from handing over vehicles, rickshaws, or other belongings to the foreigners, specially, the Afghan nationals illegally living in Pakistan and engaging in any kind of business, financial dealings, or employment with an illegal foreign resident is forbidden.
The police emphasized that strict implementation of the Punjab Government directives is mandatory, and failure to comply will result in legal action against violators. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and immediately report any illegally residing foreigners to the police. Authorities assure that all identities will be kept strictly confidential.
Foreign nationals who are legally residing in the country have also been directed to ensure their proper registration at the relevant police station. This crackdown aligns with broader provincial and federal efforts to regulate the presence of undocumented foreign nationals amid ongoing security and administrative concerns.