ISLAMABAD: In line with the government’s decision to address the issue of illegal foreigners in the federal capital, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the district administration conducted an operation to bulldoze hundreds of illegally constructed Afghan homes in various parts of the city.
According to a CDA official, the operation against unauthorized Afghan refugees was supervised by a significant presence of Islamabad Police, Rangers, and district administration personnel, utilizing heavy machinery to execute the task.
Officials had previously issued notices to the Afghan settlement residents following the government’s notification, urging them to vacate their residences, or face the consequences.
This operation will persist until all unauthorized Afghan refugees have been relocated. These refugees have been occupying these areas for an extended period and have been linked to criminal activities, posing potential threats to the peace and security of the federal capital.
Pakistan One Month Deadline for Voluntary Return for Illegal Foreigners Ends on Oct 31
The government has expedited these efforts in light of the rapidly approaching deadline of October 31, set for the refugees to depart Pakistan. Islamabad Police is providing valuable support to this initiative.
Last week, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) affirmed that Afghan nationals possessing Proof of Registration and Afghan Citizen Cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) would not face harassment or arrest. The ministry’s notification emphasized that registered Afghans could only return to their homeland voluntarily, as mistreating or arresting them would tarnish Pakistan’s international reputation.
The notification stated, “The international community’s esteem for Pakistan and the goodwill it has earned for hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the past 43 years will be jeopardized if the government fails to spare even those Afghans who are legally residing in the country.”
