RAWALPINDI: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), intelligence agencies and police have been directed to identify and arrest Afghan nationals and local gangs allegedly involved in different crimes in the garrison city.

According to sources, the issue of Afghan nationals residing in the garrison city under the garb of hawkers and labourers and their alleged connivance with local gangs came under discussion at a recent meeting here.

Representatives of Intelligence Bureau, CTD, police and Special Branch attended the meeting and reviewed different issues related to security and law and order.

The influx of Afghan nationals in Rawalpindi under the garb of hawkers and labourers and their alleged involvement in crimes was discussed at the meeting. The participants decided to identify such individuals and arrest them.

The sources said the meeting was informed that a significant number of Afghan nationals had got computerised national identity cards from Nadra and were living in different cities, especially Rawalpindi.A significant number of beggars, including non-natives, have also been living in the city.

The officials believed that the influx of beggars could be a serious threat if they were not checked.

Strict measures were also suggested to apprehend beggars and their handlers.

Meanwhile, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Mohammad Ahsan Tufail on Sunday visited the Police Lines Rawalpindi and reviewed security measures in addition to observing living conditions of police and facilities being provided to them.

The RPO visited different barracks and directed the officials concerned to further improve cleanliness. He also directed to provide better facilities to constables so that they could perform well.

The RPO also directed the police to ensure foolproof security of the police lines and other establishments.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2019