Pak launches crackdown on Afghans in wake of recent strikes

LAHORE: Pakistani law enforcement agencies have launched a massive crackdown on Afghans living in the country's most populous province of Punjab in the wake of a series of suicide bombings and terrorist attacks, arresting over 500 of them for engaging in "suspicious" activities.

The decision to crack down on Afghans was taken in light of intelligence reports that local Afghans have "connections" with militants coming from Afghanistan and the troubled tribal areas of Pakistan. Officials put the number of Afghans arrested in this eastern city alone at 500.

Lahore police chief Pervaiz Rathore confirmed that a large number of Afghans had been taken into custody for suspicious activities or for not being registered with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).

"Those living illegally will be booked for violation of the Foreigners Act," he said. He hinted the government planned to deport all Afghans who were "unregistered" or did not possess a National Identity Card. "The crackdown will continue till the desired objectives are achieved." Rathore said "We have reports that terrorists are either coming from or have roots in Afghanistan or commuting between Pakistan and Afghanistan. We can't turn a blind eye to the activities of those living here.

"What we have to do right now is to eliminate the local support," he said.
He was hopeful the new strategy will help check the ongoing spate of terror, especially in Punjab, a province of 80 million people, almost half of Pakistan's population. Pakistan has witnessed several audacious suicide bombings and terrorist strikes in recent week. Three major attacks at police installations in Lahore and Islamabad and a Shia prayer hall in Chakwal have forced the Pakistan People's Party-led government to revisit its conventional anti-terror strategy.

The prime suspect of the March 30 attack on a police training centre near Lahore is also an Afghan who confessed to police that his three accomplices, who blew themselves up to avoid arrest, were Afghans living in Pakistan's tribal areas.

Though intelligence agencies see the hand of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan chief Baitullah Mehsud behind these attacks, they do not rule out local support for him.

An intelligence report said "Baitullah Mehsud has targeted Punjab and more attacks are likely in the days to come. To deal with the menace, it is essential to locate their facilitators (in Punjab) who possibly are the Afghans." It further said that since the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi is in line with Mehsud, it may take stock of the situation and strike the minority Shia community. Areas like Bahawalpur and Bhakkar, where the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi has support, should be put under the scanner and suspects should be traced.