A sweeping investigation by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior has uncovered a staggering 53,000 suspicious computerized national identity cards (CNICs) issued to foreign nationals residing illegally in the country. This revelation comes as part of a broader effort to address illegal immigration and ensure national security.
The investigation highlighted that these fraudulent CNICs were used to register 595 vehicles in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone. Cases have been prepared against approximately 7,500 individuals holding these fake IDs. Authorities have moved to block their mobile phone SIM cards and are identifying their properties and businesses for legal action and repatriation.
In addition, 349 benami properties and businesses registered under foreign names have been detected and referred to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for further scrutiny. This operation aims to dismantle the financial networks supporting illegal immigrants.
The Ministry of Interior has also decided to repatriate illegal Tajik nationals and is currently considering similar actions for Afghan students enrolled in religious schools. Moreover, an extensive review of 2,343 suspicious bank accounts in the names of Afghans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan has been completed.
During a recent high-level meeting, officials reviewed the progress of the initial and second phases of the repatriation process. The Ministry emphasized accelerating the second phase to ensure the swift return of illegal foreign residents.