Details:
A large-scale, late-night search operation by the Sachal police in Karachi has resulted in the detention of numerous Afghan nationals, raising concerns about the immediate future of undocumented migrants in the city. The operation, executed by a heavy police contingent, focused on residential apartment buildings situated on Abu Al-Hasan Isfahani Road.
During the extensive sweep, police personnel verified the identification documents and credentials of the residents. According to the Sachal police, individuals lacking proper or complete legal documentation were taken into custody and shifted to the police station for further investigation, including checks against their criminal records. The police stated that the primary goal of the drive was to locate illegal Afghan residents and potential criminal elements operating within the locality, emphasizing a focus on improving overall city security.
This sudden action has sent a chilling wave of anxiety and apprehension through the expatriate communities. Eyewitnesses reported a state of panic as entry and exit points of the residential area were completely sealed off during the operation, preventing any movement. While authorities stress the necessity of such measures for counter-crime efforts, human rights observers are urging the government to ensure that the fundamental rights and dignity of the detainees are protected, regardless of their legal status. The current crackdown reignites the long-standing debate about the precarious living conditions and uncertain fate of the vast number of undocumented Afghan migrants residing in Pakistan’s major urban centers.
