RAWALPINDI: The Islamabad police, tasked by the federal government with arresting Afghan nationals without valid visas, could round up only one foreigner staying without valid documents in the capital on Thursday.

According to sources, the 27 police stations in the capital, including City, Saddar, Industrial Area, Soan and Rural zones, detained only one Afghan national.

In this regard, a performance report by the SSP operations was sent to the deputy inspector general (DIG) headquarters, mentioning that the Afghan national was detained by the Aabpara police.

In Rawalpindi, the situation was not different, as only four Afghan nationals were rounded up after they failed to produce any legal document for their stay in the city.

A report submitted by the Waris Khan police stated that they apprehended the four Afghan nationals and shifted them to the holding centre for further legal proceedings.

The sources said 58 police personnel were deployed in three shifts at the Afghan holding centre set up at Dhoke Syedan as part of a revised security plan.

The fresh security plan was chalked out by the police for the Afghan holding centre established at the Government Associate College for Boys Dhoke Syedan Chowk. Besides the police, Elite Force commandos have been deployed at the centre.

An ambulance and firefighters from Rescue 1122 were deployed at the centre to handle any emergency. Women police have also been deployed at the centre.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2026