QUETTA: Security forces on Monday arrested 35 foreign nationals during a campaign against illegal immigrants in different areas of the provincial capital.

According to official sources, police along with anti-terrorist force, acting on a tip-off about the presence of illegal immigrants, conducted raids in Kharotabad, the airport area, Kuchlak, new Kuchlak and a few other areas.

“The police arrested 35 Afghan nationals from four areas during the raids,” a spokesman for police said, adding that they had been sent to the district jail under the Foreigners Act.

Under the new security plan prepared by the provincial government, police and other forces were instructed to keep an eye on the foreigners living illegally in the province.

They were informed that all residences, schools, seminaries and government buildings will be registered and monitored and no one would be allowed to live there without informing the authorities concerned.

The spokesman said: “The arrested Afghan nationals had no legal documents for staying in Quetta.”

A police officer said hotels and rest houses were put under strict checking, adding that a record of guests staying there would be maintained daily.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2017