Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – An official inquiry has been initiated against Pakistani police officials following a complaint by the Afghan Embassy regarding the alleged harassment of Afghans during repatriation. The Pakistan government ordered disciplinary action against those found responsible after a meeting between Afghan Embassy officials and Pakistani authorities in Islamabad earlier this month.
The complaint focuses on the harassment of two Afghan nationals, Yaseen and Muhammad Ala, holders of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees. According to reports, they were threatened and harassed by an official from the Civil Lines police station in Rawalpindi, who also demanded money from them.
Tragically, an Afghan child named Abdul Rahman, also holding a PoR card and residing in Lala Musa, reportedly lost his life due to torture during a wedding celebration in Gujrat. Afghan officials claim that the police registered an incorrect FIR, raising concerns about an unjust decision.
The Ministry of Interior and Foreign National Security Cell in Islamabad have taken serious note of these incidents. In a letter titled “Meeting with Embassy Officials,” they urged the chief secretary and IGP Punjab to investigate the matter promptly. The interior ministry condemned the actions of SHO Abdul Rauf Afzal of Wahdat Town Police Station in Lahore, who allegedly harassed an Afghan businessman multiple times.
Expressing deep regret, the interior ministry has directed authorities to take strict disciplinary action against those responsible. The IGP has instructed Regional Police Officer Rawalpindi, RPO Gujranwala, and Capital City Police Officer Lahore to thoroughly investigate the matter and submit a detailed report by January 1.
An inquiry is underway against police officers in Lahore and the official accused of harassing Afghans legally residing in Rawalpindi. The government aims to address these issues promptly and ensure the safety and fair treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
