CDA demolishes Afghans’ homes in Islamabad

As part of the government’s plan to evict foreigners staying illegally in the country by October 31, 2023, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Wednesday bulldozed hundreds of homes of Afghans situated on the back side of National University of Science and Technology (NUST), reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

Heavy machinery was used for the purpose as large contingents of Islamabad Police and Rangers looked on.

The CDA officials said that they had issued a notice to the residents of the Afghan settlement four days ago to vacate their homes or else action would be taken against them.  

They said that the operation had been carried out yesterday as well.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) had said that the Afghan nationals staying legally in Pakistan will neither be harassed nor arrested.

In a notification, the ministry said that the Afghans possessing Proof of Registration and Afghan Citizen Cards issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) were allowed to stay in Pakistan temporarily, and that registered Afghans could only return to their homeland voluntarily because harassing or arresting them would bring a bad name to Pakistan. “The respect 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,” read the notification.

A few weeks ago, the government had told the foreigners staying in the country illegally to leave the country by October 31 or else face the music.

Reporter: Tayyab Saif