Following severe clashes between PTI protesters and law enforcement in Islamabad, the federal government has decided that Afghan nationals must obtain official permission to stay in the capital after December 31.
This directive came after the arrest of 37 Afghan nationals involved in PTI’s intense “do-or-die” protest in Islamabad. Additionally, authorities detained several Afghans in Punjab during the disturbances.
Read: Crackdown Ends PTI Protest in Islamabad
As a precaution, the interior ministry began geofencing Afghan refugee camps in Islamabad and other cities earlier this month, targeting those involved in wrongdoing.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told journalists, “Afghan nationals will need official permission to stay in Islamabad after next month.” He added that Afghans must secure a no objection certificate (NOC) from the deputy commissioner’s office to remain beyond December.
He noted that most roads had reopened to the public. “Our main goal is restoring normal life in Islamabad,” he said, expecting normal activities to resume by evening.
Following a forceful midnight crackdown by law enforcement, PTI temporarily halted its protest.
Naqvi dismissed social media claims of 33 fatalities as “propaganda,” challenging PTI to identify any deceased. “PTI’s troublemakers are searching hospitals for dead bodies,” he stated.
Read: PIMS Clarifies No Fatalities at PTI Protest Amid Misinformation
He challenged PTI to show any police officer with a firearm during the protests. He noted that a detailed report on PTI’s protest would be presented at the next cabinet meeting and to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Islamabad IG Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reported at a press conference that five security personnel, including three Rangers, were killed. “Protesters torched 12 to 13 police vehicles,” he added.
He also said that “miscreants” had damaged 161 CCTV cameras of Safe City to avoid having their actions recorded.
Rizvi mentioned that 71 law enforcement officers were injured, with 27 sustaining bullet wounds.
A spokesperson for Polyclinic Hospital reported that they received two deceased and 26 injured individuals.
However, PTI has claimed that at least eight of their supporters died in the clashes with law enforcement.
