Joint enforcement drive targets illegal Afghan residents during Ramazan

Joint police, Rangers, CTD operations led to 51 arrests after hundreds screened in Tarnol, other cities

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PHOTO: EXPRESS NEWS

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A large crackdown was carried out against illegally residing Afghan nationals in Islamabad and several other cities on Thursday, with more than 2,000 personnel mobilised.

According to officials, the police, Pakistan Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies conducted joint search-and-comb operations in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal, while security at mosques was also tightened.

In Islamabad's Tarnol, Ittihad Colony and surrounding areas, a joint search operation involving 150 police officers (of which 12 were Lady Police officers) and CTD personnel, 15 Rangers, and intelligence agencies. A total of 165 houses were searched, 48 motorcycles and 26 vehicles checked, and 570 individuals were screened.

Overall, 51 individuals were arrested, of whom 16 were Afghan nationals.

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A joint search operation was also conducted in Rawalpindi's Dhok Kashmirian and adjoining areas within Sadiqabad Police Station limits. 120 individuals, 50 houses, 15 vehicles, and 10 motorcycles were checked.

During this operation, 11 individuals were found without rental agreements; they were released after registration instructions and formal warnings.

In Chakwal, 47 houses, shops, and vehicles were searched, and documents of 98 individuals were checked. Lady police officers also took part in the operation.

Additionally, monitoring in Murree has been further intensified.