RAWALPINDI: Law enforcement agencies, including Special Branch, have enhanced monitoring and intensified their crackdown on Afghan nationals, including those holding valid visas.

A total of 27 persons have been detained and cases registered against them under sections 14 of the Foreigners Act, 1946.

According to sources, the government has issued instructions that Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan even with valid visas should be rounded up and shifted to the refugee camps. Acting on the directive, the police detained 25 Afghan nationals holding valid visas and residing in Sadiqabad and shifted them to the Afghan refugee camp on Monday.

All Afghan nationals with valid documents, including medical and tourist visas, were picked up because they were found working or doing business in Rawalpindi, according to a security official. The police have started arresting such foreigners under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.

After taking into custody, the Afghan nationals were produced before a local court and then transferred to the detention camp.

On the other hand, the police have so far detained 5,688 Afghan nationals illegally residing in Rawalpindi district and shifted them to the holding centre at Dhoke Syedan. Of the total, 5,505 have been deported to their home country since the crackdown was launched after the government’s deadline for voluntary repatriation expired on August 31, 2025.

Of the 5,688 Afghan nationals, 3,123 were males, 1,124 females and 1,441 children. The deported people included 3,014 males, 1,086 females and 1,405 children. At present, 164 Afghan nationals, including 90 males, 38 females and 36 children are being held at the detention centre.

According to sources, 623 Afghan nationals rounded up by law enforcement agencies were released after verifications, while 19 persons were missing from the holding camp.

Due to the ongoing tension in the region, the government has instructed the law enforcement agencies to enhance crackdown against Afghan nationals.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026