Over 300 undocumented Afghan nationals detained in Swabi crackdown

SWABI: District police in Swabi have arrested more than 300 Afghan nationals without legal documentation during a series of raids across various localities on Sunday.

The operation follows a joint decision by district administration and police officials to repatriate Afghan nationals residing illegally in the district. As part of the crackdown, police have directed Station House Officers (SHOs) to maintain records of all undocumented Afghans within their respective jurisdictions.

Sources reported that a total of 341 Afghan refugees were apprehended during coordinated raids in Topi, Razaar, Chota Lahor tehsils, as well as areas under the jurisdiction of Swabi district headquarters. The authorities stated that these operations will continue until all Afghan refugees staying illegally in Swabi are detained and repatriated in a dignified manner.

It has also been learned that approximately 30,000 Afghan refugees currently reside in various parts of Swabi district. While the majority of these individuals possess proper documentation, some remain in the district without legal status.

The ongoing crackdown is part of broader efforts to address the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the region. Police officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring that the repatriation process is conducted respectfully and in accordance with the law.