ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday intensified its crackdown on illegally residing foreign nationals, ordering the disconnection of utilities, the dismantling of illegal settlements, and the acceleration of repatriation, as senior civil and law enforcement officials reviewed enforcement measures during a high-level meeting in the federal capital.

The meeting of the Special Task Force was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) headquarters under the chairmanship of Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa. Inspector General Islamabad Police Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi attended the meeting along with officials from district administrations and police of Rawalpindi, Attock, Haripur, and Murree, representatives of the Ministry of Interior, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant departments.

The meeting reviewed progress made so far against illegally residing foreign nationals and discussed the future course of action. Officials informed the forum that the repatriation process is progressing rapidly, with the majority of such individuals having returned voluntarily. Legal proceedings are also underway against property owners who are renting out premises to illegally residing foreign nationals.

Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhawa directed authorities to take strict measures to completely halt the movement of illegally residing foreign nationals into adjoining areas. He ordered a ban on the provision of utilities, including electricity, and stressed that no accommodation or employment should be provided to such individuals.

IG Islamabad Police Syed Nasir Ali Rizvi said that decisive action would be taken to dismantle settlements of illegally residing foreign nationals. He added that strict measures would also be enforced against those involved in business activities, staying on medical grounds, or possessing fake identity cards obtained through forged documents.

The chairman of the CDA emphasized that all guest houses and property owners must ensure that no illegally residing foreign nationals are staying at their premises, adding that the fundamental objective of these measures is to strengthen security and ensure a peaceful and orderly environment for citizens.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025