ISLAMABAD: Authorities have intensified search-and-comb operations across Islamabad and several cities in Punjab as part of an ongoing campaign against illegally residing Afghan nationals.
Joint teams comprising police, Pakistan Rangers, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and intelligence agencies carried out coordinated raids in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Chakwal. Security was also heightened around mosques during the operation.
In Islamabad, particularly in Tarnol, Ittihad Colony and nearby localities, around 150 police personnel including 12 women officers participated alongside CTD officials, 15 Rangers personnel and intelligence staff.
Officials said 165 houses were searched in the capital, while 26 vehicles and 48 motorcycles were inspected. A total of 570 individuals were screened during the exercise. Across the region, 51 people were taken into custody, including 16 Afghan nationals.
In Rawalpindi’s Dhok Kashmirian area within the limits of Sadiqabad Police Station, authorities checked 50 houses, 15 vehicles, 10 motorcycles and screened 120 individuals. Eleven people found without valid rental agreements were warned and released after completing registration formalities.
In Chakwal, law enforcement personnel searched 47 houses and shops and verified the documents of 98 individuals, with Lady Police officers assisting in the process.
Operations continued in Jhelum, where 92 houses were inspected and 36 individuals were mapped as suspicious following verification checks. Monitoring has also been tightened in Murree as part of the broader campaign.
Officials said Afghan nationals’ documentation was carefully scrutinised during the operations, adding that law enforcement agencies have been directed to adopt a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal residency cases.
