RAWALPINDI, OCT 31 (APP/DNA): The Rawalpindi Police on Friday continued their crackdown on illegally residing Afghan nationals and other foreigners, registering a total of 55 cases and detaining 163 Afghan nationals in the last three days.

According to a police spokesman, during the actions carried out on the instructions of the Punjab Government, 16 house owners were also arrested for renting out their properties to the Afghan nationals staying without legal documents. All detained foreigners had been shifted to the holding centre.

The spokesman said that the actions were taken by City, Pirwadhai, Waris Khan, Banni, New Town, Sadiqabad, Ratta Amral, RA Bazaar, Race Course, Civil Lines, Saddar Beroni, Dhamial, Naseerabad, Airport, Chaklala, Morgah, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Wah Saddar, Jatli, Rawat,Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan and Mandra police stations.

He reiterated that citizens should not rent out their houses, shops or any other property to foreigners residing illegally, nor sell property to them. He further said that residents must also avoid giving their vehicles, rickshaws or other items to such individuals, and should refrain from engaging in business transactions or hiring them for employment.

Legally staying foreigners, he said, must ensure their registration with the relevant police station.

The spokesman urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any illegally residing foreign nationals to the police, assuring them that their identity would be kept confidential.

He said that public awareness messages were also being disseminated through social media and announcements in mosques to ensure compliance with the Punjab Government’s directives.