Deadline ends, crackdown commences against illegal immigrants

The authorities have commenced a massive crackdown against the illegal illegal immigrants, following the expiry of deadline to leave the country by today.

The Ministry of Interior has granted authorization for the arrest of illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan.

The ministry has issued arrest warrants to district administration, police, and jail officials, empowering them to apprehend those who do not have legal status in Pakistan.

Notably, under-trial and convicted accused individuals will not be subject to deportation as per the notification.

This directive from the Ministry of Interior has been conveyed to all provinces, highlighting the comprehensive and coordinated nature of this effort to address the issue of illegal residents.

As part of this operation, 49 holding areas/points have been established across the nation to facilitate the repatriation of illegal residents.

These holding areas serve as screening points, allowing passengers to cross the border respectfully.

Holding centers have been set up in all 36 districts of Punjab, and in other regions including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.

Eight crossing points have been designated for the repatriation of Afghan citizens, with four connected to Balochistan and four to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

To streamline the process, the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has introduced a special application for convenience at these crossing points.

A control room, operating from the Ministry of Home Affairs, is actively monitoring and facilitating the return process.

Furthermore, two new passport offices have been established at Qila Abdullah and Khyber (Jamrud) to facilitate movements on the Pakistan-Afghan border.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also issued an emergency number (1700) to address any situations that may arise during the operation.

On November 1, 2023, 64 illegally resident Afghans were sent from Islamabad to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where they will be transferred to Afghanistan.

They were accompanied by a security team from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and Islamabad Police.

In Karachi, the East Zone Police have decided to initiate an operation in the Sohrab Goth area and its surroundings.

Illegal residents will be detained and transferred to the Haji Camp.

The efforts to address the presence of illegal residents in various regions continue, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the law and ensuring the security and integrity of the nation.