As the deadline for the voluntary repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees expired, police in Nowshera and Peshawar have launched a series of search and strike operations to apprehend illegal immigrants, unregistered tenants, and criminal elements in various areas.
In Nowshera, the local police initiated targeted operations in multiple locations. During a search and strike operation conducted by the Misri Banda Police Station at Rashakai Economic Zone and the Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway Service Road, four suspected Afghan refugees were apprehended. Sub-Inspector Rameen Khan, Station House Officer (SHO) of Misri Banda Police Station, confirmed the arrests and said that cases have been registered against the individuals under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.
Meanwhile in Peshawar, the police have intensified targeted operations in different parts of the provincial capital in coordination with security forces to improve law and order and eliminate criminal activities. These operations are primarily aimed at unregistered tenants, illegal Afghan refugees, and known offenders.
A major joint operation was conducted in the jurisdiction of Paharipura Police Station, Faqirabad Division, with the participation of Pakistan Army personnel. The operation was led by DSP Faqirabad Circle Umar Afridi. Personnel from local police, lady constables, Rapid Response Force (RRF), sniffer dogs unit, Ababeel Squad, and other police units took part in the house-to-house raids.
During the targeted operation, several unregistered tenants, Afghan refugees, and suspected criminals were taken into custody. Illegal weapons and contraband were also recovered. According to police, the operation aimed to maintain law and order and reinforce security in the area.
Authorities confirmed that an emergency situation has been declared across the province concerning undocumented Afghan refugees. Repatriation points have been established at Nasir Bagh in Peshawar and near the Hamza Baba shrine in Landi Kotal, Khyber District, to facilitate the return process.
Officials further stated that the second phase of the repatriation of Afghan refugees holding ACC (Afghan Citizen Card) has formally begun. In Landi Kotal, over 50 Afghan refugee families arriving from Punjab have reached Torkham and are expected to return to Afghanistan via the border crossing shortly.
