RAWALPINDI: A special team, comprising police, special branch and intelligence agencies’ officials, has been formed to track down 758 ‘illegal’ Afghan nationals hiding in Rawalpindi district.

However, 5,000 illegal immigrants have voluntarily left the Rawalpindi district while 65 have been deported to their home countries since Nov 1.

According to sources, SSP Operations asked SPs, DSPs and SHOs that special teams, led by DSPs, have been formed to trace 758 ‘illegal’ Afghan nationals and detain them in the holding centre established in Khayaban-i-Sir Syed so that they could be repatriated.

A list of 758 illegal foreigners who were yet to be traced by the law enforcement was also sent to the police officers concerned.

According to sources, 8,728 illegal foreigners had left Rawalpindi division voluntarily, whereas 234 have been deported since Nov 1.

Of the 8,728, 5,000 illegal foreigners left Rawalpindi district voluntarily while 65 have been deported. Likewise, 1,916 illegal foreigners left Attock district voluntarily, while 157 were deported. Similarly, 642 illegal foreign nationals left Jhelum voluntarily and 12 were deported.

Sources said of 8,728 illegal foreigners, 1,170 had left Chakwal.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2023