KHYbER
○More than 20 shops and business centers were sealed in a crackdown launched in Landi Kotal Bazaar against Afghan traders, administrative officials said on Wednesday.
They said that the Tehsildar Malik Taimur Afridi, along with Assistant Sub-Inspector Saddam Hussain Shinwari and police personnel, carried out the operation in Landi Kotal Bazaar.
During the action, over 20 shops belonging to Afghan traders allegedly residing illegally were sealed, they added.
Earlier, the local administration and police had asked the unlawful Afghan traders to wind up their businesses and willingly repatriate to Afghanistan or they would be dealt with as per law.
Assistant Commissioner,Landi Kotal Inamullah Khan Wazir stated that like elsewhere in the country, a crackdown against illegal Afghan nationals had been launched in Landi Kotal and it would continue till all the illegal immigrants were returned to their home country.
Additional shops and commercial centers are likely to be sealed in the coming days and no leniency will be shown in the ongoing operation, he emphasized.
He warned all the Afghan nationals residing illegally to return to their country in a dignified manner.
The administration reiterated its commitment to enforce law and ensure all residents comply with legal requirements.
On the other hand, the affected Afghan traders expressed grief over what they said was a sudden action of the administration and said that extra-time should be granted to them to wrap up their businesses in Landi Kotal Bazaar and return to Afghanistan.
As per the data of Anjuma-e-Tajeran, Landi Kotal Bazaar approximately 800 shops and shifts belong to Afghan citizens, doing various kinds of businesses in Landi Kotal Bazaar.
Meanwhile the administration has instructed all property owners in Landi Kotal Bazaar to submit a detailed report regarding their rented shops.
It stated that if any Afghan trader is found operating in a shop belonging to a property owner, the concerned property will be completely sealed, and legal proceedings will be initiated against the owner without any leniency.
The officials further emphasized that all shop owners whose properties have been sealed during the recent crackdown must submit their applications on stamp paper to the Assistant Commissioner’s office for further process.
The district administration reiterated that these measures are being implemented strictly and no exceptions will be made.
