Pakistani CNICs: Interior Ministry to launch operation against Afghan nationals | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Pakistani CNICs: Interior Ministry to launch operation against Afghan nationals

ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry is planning to launch operation against Afghan nationals who possess computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) of Pakistan, informed sources in Interior Ministry revealed.

Some intelligence and law enforcement agencies have asked the Ministry to investigate how Afghan nationals obtained the CNICs and purchased properties and established businesses in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, sources said on Wednesday.

It is shocking that during search operations Afghan nationals show CNICs, a law enforcement agency in its report mentioned. The matter was brought in the notice of Interior Ministry, which has directed the police and other law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter and submit report on the issue to the Ministry, sources in the Ministry said.

This scribe tried to contact Interior Minister Rehman Malik, Secretary Interior, Additional Secretary Interior to comment on the issue, but no one was available. There are thousands of Afghan nationals living illegally in different parts of the country especially in the federal capital, sources said, adding that they have no legal documents for residence in Pakistan and even they are not registered with United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).

To a question regarding any possible operation against the Afghan nationals living illegally and having CNICs, the Interior Ministry sources said that so far no such decision was made, but keeping in view the security of the country and people it became imperative to take the issue seriously.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:7/22/2010