KARACHI: Deportation centres are being established in Karachi to facilitate the detention and repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals after the November 1 deadline for them to leave Pakistan.
Speaking to media after meeting with Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) members, Additional Inspector General of Sindh Police Khadim Hussain Rind said that the deportation centres will be set up in areas like District West and Haji Camp. They will function as sub-jails, with agencies like the FIA, FC, NADRA and Rangers present to process deportations back to Afghanistan.
“I have proposed establishing courtrooms within the centres to accelerate the process to deport these unlawful immigrants,” disclosed AIG Rind.
He estimated around 400,000 illegal Afghans reside in Karachi and a large number of them are involved in criminal activities. Over 1,200 Afghan nationals have been arrested in the past month since the new police setup assumed office. “Police will act against illegal Afghan immigrants after November 1,” affirmed Rind.
Meanwhile, Karachi Police and ABAD will form a joint committee to curb extortionists and land grabbers who target the builders.
Despite a 1.25% recent drop in street crime, the AIG admitted more progress is required to eliminate it completely and restore public safety. He outlined short and long-term policies, including swift responses to builders’ complaints and a committee to end land grabbing.
With only one police officer for every 4,800 citizens, ABAD stressed the need for urgent reforms at police stations. Former ABAD chairman Mohsin Sheikhani said station chiefs routinely harass owners of new projects.
Mohsin proposed model stations citywide to provide security for construction projects. He added while ABAD members undertake nationwide projects, nearly 50% of works are halted due to the economic crisis.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023
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