Illegal Afghans arrested in Mansehra crackdown

In a recent crackdown in Mansehra, over a dozen Afghan nationals were arrested by the district administration and police forces. According to Abdullah Khan, assistant commissioner (revenue), the operation aimed to deport all illegal Afghan residents to their home country after fulfilling legal requirements. Khan stated, "Our crackdown against foreign nationals living illegally anywhere in the district is well underway, and we arrested over a dozen Afghans living underground to escape the action."

Faisal Khalil, the SHO of Larri Adda police station, led a team in the operation and arrested Afghans who were still running businesses while evading authorities. The joint team also raided potential hiding spots in the vegetable market and apprehended an Afghan national residing without legal authorization. In addition, a police team approached Afghan families residing in various parts of the city and its suburbs, warning them that strict action would be taken if they did not depart for their homeland.

As part of the crackdown, the district administration demolished makeshift houses inhabited by the Afghans in areas such as Ichrian, Barari, Sheikhabad, and Batdairan. Authorities have also issued warnings to local residents about facing legal consequences for renting their properties to Afghan nationals. An official warned, "If anybody gives his/her house to Afghans on rent, he/she would face the law under the National Action Plan and other relevant laws."

The crackdown is expected to continue targeting foreigners still residing illegally in the district.