374 Chinese nationals arrested in Pakistan crackdown
According to the sources, the arrests were made under the Foreigners Act, 1946, during operations aimed at checking the legal status and activities of foreign nationals in Pakistan. The arrests bring the total number of Chinese nationals detained during the joint operation to 374.
FIA arrests 258 Chinese nationals
Sources said the FIA took 258 Chinese nationals into custody after they allegedly failed to produce valid documents regarding their stay in Pakistan. Authorities are examining their legal status and the circumstances surrounding their presence in the country.
The arrests are part of broader efforts to ensure that foreign nationals living or working in Pakistan have valid visas and other required legal documents. Further legal action will depend on the outcome of the investigations and the verification of documents provided by those taken into custody.
NCCIA cracks down on alleged illegal call centres
The NCCIA arrested 116 Chinese nationals during operations against alleged illegal call centres in Islamabad, sources said. Authorities are investigating the activities of the call centres and the possible involvement of those arrested.
The crackdown is part of efforts to take action against suspected cybercrime and other illegal activities. Officials have not yet publicly disclosed further details about the alleged activities of the call centres or the specific allegations against each individual.
Sparco Plaza declared a sub-jail
According to sources, the arrested Chinese nationals will be kept at Sparco Plaza in Islamabad, which has been designated as a sub-jail. The Chief Commissioner has already issued a notification declaring the building a sub-jail, the sources added.
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The arrangement is expected to provide authorities with a designated location to hold the detainees while legal and administrative procedures continue. Officials are likely to verify the immigration status and relevant documents of those arrested before further action is taken.
Crackdown follows increased scrutiny of foreign nationals
The operation comes amid increased scrutiny of the legal status and activities of foreign nationals living in Pakistan. Authorities have stepped up checks on people staying in the country without valid visas or other required documentation.
Pakistan has also been carrying out a nationwide crackdown on undocumented Afghan nationals under the government’s Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan. The plan is aimed at identifying foreign nationals living in Pakistan without valid visas or legal documentation and taking action under the country’s immigration laws.
Earlier case involving alleged organ smuggling
The latest crackdown comes after the FIA earlier claimed to have uncovered an alleged organ-smuggling network involving Chinese nationals in Pakistan. The case came to light after authorities reportedly seized nearly 580 kilograms of human placentas at an airport.
The matter was later discussed during a hearing before a district and sessions court in Islamabad. The court extended the physical remand of five suspects, including three Chinese nationals, by one day to allow investigators more time to complete their inquiry.
Suspects allegedly attempted to smuggle placentas
During the court hearing, the investigating officer said the suspects were allegedly attempting to smuggle around 30 cartons containing human placentas to Vietnam. According to the officer, the seized material weighed approximately 580 kilograms.
The investigating team requested additional time to complete its investigation and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling attempt. The case remains subject to further investigation and legal proceedings.
