In a bold escalation against illegal immigration, Rawalpindi police have detained 5,439 Afghan nationals lacking proper papers, housing them in detention facilities. This follows the government’s firm stance post the March 31 voluntary exit deadline, with aggressive policing now standard in Islamabad’s surrounding regions.
Media outlets highlight intensified campaigns against unregistered foreigners, rogue landlords, and shady lodging spots. Officers face strict accountability for record-keeping failures, while a tenancy law enforcement blitz nabbed 38 more suspects.
Raids hit multiple hotspots including Chontra, Chakri, Kahuta, and others, under CPO Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani’s direct oversight. Public appeals emphasize registering all tenants to prevent chaos and ensure compliance.
Complicating matters, 19 people have vanished from detention since April. From Afghanistan, Taliban officials decry the ‘persecution’ of their citizens, urging global watchdogs to protect refugees and support those forcibly returned home.
Over the past year, Pakistan’s sweeping deportations have reshaped its Afghan diaspora, sparking debates on humanitarian costs versus security imperatives. Critics, including media and activists, warn of overreach, but authorities press on with unyielding resolve.