Over 600 illegal immigrants detained in LEAs crackdown

ISLAMABAD: A joint team of law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) has detained over 600 illegal immigrants during a crackdown conducted in different area of the federal capital during a couple of weeks.

Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Anti-Riot Force (ARF) and police were prominent among the LEAs which took part in the crackdown on the Afghans and other nationals living without Proof of Residency (PoR) and necessary legal domiciliary documents.

The raids were conducted in Saray Kharbooza, Tarnol, Noon, slums behind Nust, Sabzi Mandi, I/10, Bhara Kahu, Chungi No. 26, Golra and its surrounding areas, CTD sources said.

The deputy commissioner claimed that in 2025, a total of 183 illegal foreign nationals had been deported from Islamabad, while two illegal nationals were in the holding areas.

The CTD sources said during the crackdown conducted in specific Afghan localities, over 500 Afghan nationals were detained and kept at Haji Camp, adding that they were all released by the magistrate on duty because the stakeholders were not interested.

Later, the government decided not to repatriate those holding valid documents such as Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), visas, or those listed for third-country resettlement.

The Islamabad civil administration remains committed to safeguarding the rights of all documented individuals.

During the search and combing operations, the administration ensures that the law is upheld while giving undocumented foreign nationals the opportunity to validate their status. In 2025, a total of 183 illegal foreign nationals were deported from Islamabad, while two illegal nationals were in the holding areas.

It is important to emphasise that all the time these deported individuals lacked any form of legal documentation.

The authorities continue to act strictly in accordance with the law, targeting only those who fail to present valid documents.

Meanwhile, the Afghan Embassy in Pakistan has stated that approximately 800 refugees have been arrested in Islamabad.

Expressing concern over these arrests, the embassy noted that the detained individuals included refugees holding valid visas, PoR (Proof of Registration) cards, and Afghan Citizen Cards.

The statement highlighted that due to ambiguity in the special permit process, unlawful arrests were made, leading to the deportation of refugees.

Among those deported were 137 individuals who had submitted applications for visa extensions and possessed documentation from UNHCR and SHARP.

The Afghan embassy reported that these arrests had caused separated families, including women and children.

Expressing concern over the arrests, the statement urged the Government of Pakistan to address the Afghan government’s concerns.

The embassy also informed the relevant Pakistani authorities about the matter.

An appeal for immediate intervention has been made to the UNHCR and other human rights organizations. The statement emphasized ensuring respect, for the rights and security of the refugees living in Pakistan.