Authorities have stepped up action against unregistered Afghan nationals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid reports of a possible Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march, while a separate crackdown has also been launched against Afghan nationals allegedly involved in obtaining Pakistani identity documents illegally.
According to the reports, more than 500 Afghan nationals were arrested in a single day during operations conducted in several Peshawar markets, including Khyber Bazaar, Namak Mandi, Hospital Road, Sabzi Mandi, Board Bazaar, Plastic Market, Ashraf Road, Atta Market and Tea Market.
The reports said the federal government has approved a new operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with instructions for stricter action against undocumented Afghan nationals from October. Search operations in markets have also been intensified as part of the drive.
Meanwhile, security concerns have been raised over the possible launch of the PTI long march from southern districts of the province. Reports submitted by law enforcement agencies to the provincial government have reportedly highlighted security sensitivities in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Tank and other southern areas.
According to police sources cited in the reports, the region is considered highly sensitive due to ongoing incidents of terrorism and targeted attacks against security personnel and civilians. Concerns have also been raised about possible threats to participants of the long march.
However, police have denied that any such report was submitted, saying no formal report regarding a threat to the march had been issued.
Security concerns in the southern districts nevertheless remain, while reports have emerged that PTI may be reconsidering its strategy for the planned Islamabad long march and could instead hold activities within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.