Around 800 Afghan nationals were detained from Islamabad and its surrounding areas during a recent search operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and the intelligence agencies, it emerged on Sunday.
The operation was carried out in Bhara Kahu, Tarnool, Mehrabadian, Golra, Shams Colony and other areas in the vicinity.
As many as half of the 800 arrested were released after proof of residence was confirmed while at least 375 Afghan nationals remain in custody.
Meanwhile, 25 of the 800 initially arrested were found to be awaiting document verification.
The 375 Afghan national whose proof of residence could not be confirmed are likely to released at the border to return back to Afghanistan.
According to reports, several lists based on classified intel were compiled by the CTD and intelligence agencies and the operation is to be expidited in the coming days.
The law enforcement authorities claim that several suspected criminals were identified in these lists made of Afghan nationals.
Earlier this week, Islamabad decided to send back all "illegal" Afghan refugees in a major policy decision amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbouring countries.