ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced on Wednesday that Afghan nationals residing in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) will need a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Deputy Commissioner to stay beyond December 31, 2024. This decision aligns with the government’s effort to regulate the presence of foreign nationals and maintain law and order.
Measures Against Unlawful Protests
The announcement coincided with allegations that some Afghan nationals participated in recent violent protests linked to a political party. The minister revealed plans to prevent future unlawful demonstrations and criticized claims of fatalities among the protestors, stating that no credible evidence had been presented.
Response to Protest Allegations
Mr. Naqvi emphasized that law enforcement personnel dealing with the protests were unarmed. He challenged opposition leaders to provide proof of alleged deaths during the demonstrations, asserting that no fatalities of protesters had been recorded.
Visit to Injured LEA Personnel
The interior minister and DG Rangers Punjab, Maj Gen Muhammad Aatif, visited PIMS Hospital to meet injured personnel from the Rangers, Frontier Corps, and police. They praised their courage and directed medical teams to provide the best treatment, including transferring ASP Muhammad Aleem, injured by stone-pelting, to Lahore for specialized care.
A statement issued later confirmed that one police official and three Rangers personnel had been martyred, while 223 law enforcement personnel were injured, including 171 from Punjab and 52 from ICT.
Peaceful End to Protests
The ICT administration, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, successfully ended the protest while minimizing damage to property and ensuring public safety. The administration commended the professionalism of the agencies involved and urged citizens and media to refrain from spreading unverified information to maintain peace and harmony
