Islamabad cracks down on undocumented foreign nationals; landlords, businesses also under scrutiny

• Authorities widen enforcement: legal action now targets landlords and commercial property providers

• Coordination strengthened across Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur to curb illegal movement

 ISLAMABAD: Authorities have intensified enforcement measures against undocumented foreign nationals, initiating legal proceedings not only against individuals residing illegally but also against landlords and business owners accused of facilitating their stay.

The decision was reviewed during a meeting of the special task force on repatriation of illegal nationals held at the Capital Development Authority headquarters on Friday. The meeting was chaired by Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and CDA Chairman.

The session was attended by Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, Inspector General of Police (Islamabad), Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, and representatives of the Ministry of Interior, NADRA, and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. District administrations and police officials from Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, and Haripur participated via video link.

Officials briefed participants on the progress of enforcement operations in Islamabad and adjoining districts. According to the briefing, the repatriation process is ongoing, with the majority of undocumented individuals having opted for voluntary return during the initial phase.

Authorities indicated that the drive has now entered a stricter enforcement stage. FIRs are being registered against landlords allegedly renting residential properties to undocumented residents, while legal action is underway against those providing commercial premises to individuals without valid documentation. Similarly, cases are being filed against undocumented residents under applicable laws.

The meeting emphasized strengthened coordination among Islamabad and neighbouring districts to monitor and curb the movement of undocumented foreign nationals. Authorities confirmed that strict surveillance measures are being implemented to prevent re-settlement in adjacent areas.

Randhawa directed officials to ensure no residential accommodation or employment opportunities are extended to undocumented nationals. He further instructed that data collected from Islamabad and neighbouring districts be integrated into the central dashboard of the Ministry of Interior to enhance oversight and inter-agency coordination.

IG Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi stressed the need for sustained enforcement measures to dismantle informal settlements associated with undocumented residents. Officials from the PTA added that the process of blocking SIM cards issued to undocumented nationals is underway as part of the broader enforcement strategy.

Randhawa reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ensuring national security through effective legal measures, noting that all relevant institutions are working in close coordination to address the issue on a sustained basis.