Ongoing Crackdown on Illegal Foreigners and Afghan Nationals in Rawalpindi and Peshawar

Following the expiration of the deadline given by the government, the process of deporting Afghan refugees continues. Since April 1, a total of 6,700 individuals, comprising 944 foreign families, have been deported. Immigration sources report that these individuals were brought from various cities to the Landi Kotal transit camp, where they underwent necessary procedures before being deported via the Torkham border.

The deported families include 2,874 men, 1,755 women, and 2,071 children. From September 17, 2023, to March 31, 2025, a total of 70,494 Afghan families, amounting to 469,159 individuals, have returned to Afghanistan.

In Rawalpindi, the police crackdown against illegal foreign nationals and Afghan residents continues. Individuals holding Afghan Citizen Cards or those whose visas have expired, along with those lacking proof of residence or necessary documents, are being apprehended. Since April 1, a total of 353 Afghan nationals have been detained and transferred to the holding center.

Of the detainees, 119 Afghan nationals were taken into custody for possessing Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), and 234 were detained for not having proof of residence or appropriate documentation. No Afghan nationals have been arrested for expired visas as of now.

All 353 detained Afghan nationals have been moved to the Golra Mor holding center, where the security is managed by Rawalpindi Police, which has deployed officers in three shifts to maintain order. The security at the holding center is tight, with strict regulations, including a ban on mobile phones for detainees.

From Rawalpindi district, 117 Afghan nationals were taken into custody and moved to the holding center. The Pothohar division, covering cantonments and surrounding areas, transferred 147 Afghan nationals, while the President Division, including rural and suburban police areas, moved 89 Afghan nationals.

According to sources, Afghan nationals holding Proof of Residence (POR) cards are not being detained at this stage. However, if any Afghan nationals or their family members are involved in criminal activities, the entire family is being detained for deportation.

The crackdown against illegal foreigners and Afghan nationals will continue, with police teams conducting operations in various areas. After detailed scrutiny at the holding center, individuals with Afghan Citizen Cards or illegal residence will be sent to temporary camps before being deported to Afghanistan.