Rawalpindi police have arrested 76 Afghan nationals living illegally in the city during extensive search operations launched after the recent suicide attack outside the judicial complex in Islamabad. The crackdown comes amid tighter enforcement of the National Action Plan.
According to police, the operations were carried out on the instructions of City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani across multiple neighbourhoods in Rawalpindi.
During the searches, police inspected 1,375 houses, 412 shops and 28 hotels, and verified the identification documents of more than 1,709 individuals. The detainees included Afghan nationals found residing in Pakistan without legal documentation.
Police teams also checked four scrap yards, three bus and truck stands, and several locations to verify tenant records. Authorities registered 21 cases against individuals who failed to file mandatory tenant information.
Search operations were conducted in Kallar Syedan, Rawat, Gujar Khan, Chontra, Dhamial, Kahuta, Jatli, Saddar Bairuni, Pirwadhai, Ratta Amral, Ganjmandi, City, Waris Khan, Banni, New Town, Sadiqabad, Saddar Wah, Naseerabad, Civil Lines, Morgah and Cantt.
Officials said the purpose of the operations was to strengthen security and curb criminal activity in the district.
CPO Khalid Hamdani said Rawalpindi police were using all available resources to maintain peace and stability in the city. “Such measures will continue in the future as part of our efforts to ensure law and order,” he added.
Last week, at least 12 people were martyred and more than 36 others injured in a suicide bombing outside the District Judicial Complex in G-11 area of Islamabad.
The explosion occurred when suicide attacker tried to enter the court premises but detonated explosives near a police vehicle after being intercepted. The blast ripped through the area, causing panic among bystanders and heavy damage to vehicles nearby.
According to police sources the bomber’s head was found on the road, and forensic teams were called to the scene for evidence collection. Initial investigations suggest the attacker’s target was the court complex, intending to inflict mass casualties, but alert security personnel prevented his entry.
