ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the intelligence agencies in a joint search operation have detained around 800 Afghan nationals from Islamabad and its surrounding areas, local media reported on Sunday.
The operation was conducted in Bihara Kahu, Tarnool, Mehrabadian, Golra, Shams Colony and other localities in Islamabad.
According to reports almost half of those arrested were later released after proof of residence was verified while at least 375 Afghan nationals still remain in custody.
The 375 Afghan nationals are expected to be released at the border to return back to their homeland.
The CTD and intelligence agencies have prepared several lists of illegal Afghan citizens based on classified intelligence and soon an operation will be carried out in this regard.
The law enforcement authorities said that some of the suspected criminals were identified in these lists of Afghan nationals.
Islamabad to send back all illegal Afghan refugees
Earlier this week, Islamabad had announced to send back all illegal Afghan refugees.
The caretaker federal cabinet approved the decision to repatriate as many as 1.1 million Afghan refugees staying illegally in Pakistan.
Local media quoting sources said that as many as 400,000 Afghans entered Pakistan illegally after the fall of the Afghan government to the Taliban in August 2021. They say there have been another 700,000 Afghan nationals identified who have been living in the country illegally.
Read Also: Afghanistan Embassy in India Suspends Operations Amidst Diplomatic Limbo
Sources said these 1.1 million Afghan refugees have no visa or any valid documents allowing them to stay in Pakistan. They also said that most of these illegal refugees were involved in anti-state and criminal activities.
As per reports Taliban government was also informed about Pakistan’s decision. Islamabad has been a host to millions of Afghan refugees for the past many decades.
