District authorities in Bannu carried out a comprehensive sweep targeting illegally residing Afghan nationals across multiple police station jurisdictions. Under the clear directives of District Police Officer Yasir Afridi and the direct supervision of SDPOs, the Bannu operation resulted in the detention of 149 Afghan nationals and the arrest of 35 facilitators.
Officials said the action was stepped up after repeated government warnings for voluntary repatriation went unheeded. Given the current national security concerns, the scope of the Bannu operation was expanded down to the grassroots level to preserve law and order within the district.
Cases have been registered against the 149 individuals under the Foreign Act and formal investigations are under way. Legal proceedings have also been initiated against 35 facilitators, including landlords and shop owners, with charges registered under Section 10 RBO.
Authorities have informed illegally residing Afghan citizens that their status is now unlawful and advised them to return to their homeland respectfully at the earliest opportunity, which officials say would be in their best interest. The operation remains ongoing as police continue coordinated actions within the district.
