Illegal Settlements Dismantled: CDA Takes Action Against Afghan Refugee Housing

APP

Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the district administration bulldozed hundreds of illegally built homes of Afghan refugees living illegally in several areas of the federal capital.

In pursuance of the government’s decision, large contingents of Islamabad police, rangers and district administration looked after the operation, and heavy machinery was used for the purpose, informed CDA official.

In order to maintain peace in the federal capital, the operation would continue until the last eviction of the Afghan refugees as they were involved in criminal activities and had been occupying places in the city for a long time.

The official further said that they had issued a notice to the residents of the Afghan settlement soon after the notification issued by the government asking them to vacate their homes; otherwise, action would be taken against them.

Pakistan has gathered pace in this operation in recent days in view of the fast-approaching deadline of October 31 set by the government.

During the last week, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) said that Afghan nationals staying legally in Pakistan will neither be harassed nor arrested.

Ministry stated that the respect the international community has given to Pakistan and the goodwill it has earned for hosting millions of Afghan refugees for the last 43 years will be history if the government does not spare even those Afghans who are staying legally in the country.

In a notification, the Ministry explained that Afghans possessing Proof of Registration and Afghan Citizen Cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) are allowed to stay temporarily.

Meanwhile, registered Afghans could only return to their homeland voluntarily because harassing or arresting them would bring a bad name to Pakistan.