ISLAMABAD: A special task force formed by the government held a meeting at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters to ensure action against foreign nationals illegally residing in different districts and to enhance coordination among relevant institutions in this regard.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa was attended by members of the task force, including district administration and police officers from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree and Haripur, as well as senior officers from the Ministry of Interior, Nadra, FIA and CTD.

During the meeting, it was decided that action will be taken against foreign nationals residing without valid visas in the districts of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree and Haripur. The chief commissioner directed to formulate a plan to prevent the future illegal resettlement of foreign nationals in the districts.

He emphasised the need to develop an integrated database containing complete information, residential addresses and other key details of such individuals.

He instructed FIA, Nadra and other relevant institutions to enhance data sharing and coordination to declare these five districts as ‘Safe Zones’. Additionally, authorities were directed to monitor the presence of foreigners without valid visas in adjoining areas and to take immediate legal action against them. The meeting also decided to ensure action against unregistered foreign tenants residing in houses and hotels.

He directed the appointment of focal persons in relevant districts and departments to strengthen coordination against illegal immigrants.

The chief commissioner stressed the need for seamless data synchronisation among concerned institutions to ensure that only foreigners with valid visas are allowed to stay, failing which strict legal action will be taken.

In line with the direction of the chief commissioner, the deputy commissioners will immediately collect data on foreign nationals residing without visas in their respective districts.

The meeting also unanimously agreed to halt the issuance of stamp papers for property transactions involving illegally residing foreigners and strictly enforce the Tenancy Act. Furthermore, it was decided that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will not issue mobile SIMs to illegally residing foreign nationals without valid visas.

He said the government was committed to ensuring national security and stability by taking effective legal action against illegal immigrants. He said all relevant institutions were jointly working to implement measures for a permanent solution to this issue.

Pakistan has extended the deadline for the deportation of foreigners without proper documents to September 1, 2025.

About 1.4 million Afghan refugees are registered with the UN Refugee Agency and have the Proof of Residence Cards (PoR) issued by the government Pakistan.

A police officer said the number of Afghan nationals staying in the capital illegally was much higher compared to those holding valid documents.

Thousands of Afghan nationals used Islamabad as a transit point to fly to European, Western and Middle Eastern countries. Moreover, hundreds of families and individuals were also coming to the city for medical treatment.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025