ISLAMABAD: The presence of a large number of foreigners and refugees in the city has prompted the capital administration to start their registration, Dawn has learnt.

Police officers told Dawn that the registration was being started in the light of recommendations made in a survey report conducted by a unit of the capital police.

The survey was conducted after a few refugees became the victims of robberies and snatching in the capital’s posh areas during the last a couple of months. These victims came to Islamabad either for medical treatment or to use the capital as a transit point to go abroad.

The survey also recommended verification of documents and cards issued to them by Nadra, the officers said, adding the refugees had come to Pakistan with families or individually.

Most of the families used the capital as a transit point to fly to European, western and Middle East countries. Besides, a number of families and individuals also came here for medical treatment.

Besides the presence of refugees from a neighbouring country, some came from Far East, Middle East and Central Asian countries, they said.

The foreigners’ numbers, their details are not available with the police. The registration process will get the exact number and details to make further necessary strategies, but it is on a voluntarily basis.

A proposal is also under consideration to establish a residential place for the refugees, the officers said, adding some areas had been selected in this regard.

A spokesman for the police confirmed that the registration of foreigners, servants, tenants and illegal refugees residing in capital had started. A deputy inspector general of police was asked to complete the registration within two days, he added.

The capital administration and police are looking for an alternative place for illegal refugees where they will be accommodated, the spokesman said, adding the measure was taken for their security so that no terrorist or miscreant could stay among them.

The residents should also immediately get their servants and tenants, including foreigners, registered with the police, he said, adding owners of hotels should keep a complete record of the guests, including foreigners, and submit the same to the area police station.

Legal action will be initiated against those providing illegal accommodation to foreigners, he added.

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2022