Security forces have detained 179 Afghan nationals during a large-scale intelligence-based operation carried out in the Nokundi and Taftan areas of Balochistan’s Chagai district, officials said on Tuesday. The operation targeted illegal cross-border movement through infrequent and unmonitored routes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
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According to senior security officials, the detained individuals had entered Pakistani territory without valid travel documents. Most of those taken into custody were identified as Uzbek nationals holding Afghan citizenship, who were later handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal proceedings in line with immigration and security laws.
Officials said the operation was launched following actionable intelligence about the movement of undocumented migrants using remote border paths. These routes are often exploited by human smugglers to facilitate illegal crossings into Pakistan and onward travel towards Iran and other destinations.
179 Afghans entering Balochistan illegally arrested https://t.co/BjPt9kc5vp pic.twitter.com/KMTpDihIfE
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Following the arrests, security agencies have intensified patrolling and surveillance along the border in Chagai district. Additional measures have been put in place to prevent illegal entry, curb human trafficking networks, and address other cross-border crimes that pose security and humanitarian risks.
Authorities said the border region remains sensitive due to its vast terrain and proximity to smuggling corridors, requiring constant vigilance by security personnel. Enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies has also been ordered to strengthen border management and intelligence sharing.
The operation comes days after a deadly incident in the Nokundi area, where 11 Afghan nationals were killed and nine others injured in a collision between an oil tanker and a pickup truck. The victims were reportedly travelling illegally towards Europe via Iran, highlighting the dangers faced by undocumented migrants using unsafe routes.
Read More: 11 Afghan nationals killed in Chagai road crash
Officials reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to controlling illegal migration while ensuring that those apprehended are treated in accordance with the law. They added that efforts would continue to dismantle human smuggling networks and discourage dangerous and unlawful border crossings through stricter enforcement and sustained monitoring.