RAWALPINDI: As the police crackdown against Afghan nationals continued in Rawalpindi, about 60 police officers, including two sections of the Elite Force, have been deployed to ensure the safety of those at the holding centre at Dhoke Syedan.

So far, 6668 Afghan nationals have been rounded up and shifted to the refugee camp, while 6641 have been deported to their home country after the government’s deadline for voluntary return expired.

Revised security measures have been put in place to ensure the security of the Afghan nationals at the holding centre established in Government Associate College for Boys Dhoke Syedan. Police have been deployed in three shifts there.

The Afghan nationals shifted to the holding centre included 3544 males, 1424 females and 1700 children.

So far, 3525 males, 1421 females and 1695 children have been deported to Afghanistan, while 27 individuals, including 19 males, three women and five children, are waiting for their repatriation.

Officials said 817 Afghan nationals, including 497 males, 154 females and 184 children, were released after verification.

The law enforcement agencies are maintaining consolidated records of all repatriated Afghan nationals.

Meanwhile, the police detained three Afghan nationals from Gunjmandi and shifted them to the holding centre for verification and legal proceedings.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2026