Latest news with #Hamdani
Express Tribune
03-08-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Illegal Afghans face intensified action
Officials at the Haripur DC office told The Express Tribune, the administration has asked Afghan nationals to relocate to camp areas with their businesses within 30 days. PHOTO: REUTERS In light of the directives issued by the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the field police in Rawalpindi have been instructed to intensify operations against Afghan nationals residing illegally within Pakistan. The objective is to apprehend and transfer these individuals to designated holding centres to facilitate their eventual repatriation to Afghanistan. Only those in possession of valid visas will be permitted to remain in the country. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Rawalpindi, Khalid Hamdani, has issued strict implementation orders to ensure prompt compliance with the ministry's instructions. According to official sources, efforts are currently underway to identify and deport Afghan nationals residing without legal documentation. Just days earlier, the CPO had expressed serious reservations about the performance of Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) across the district, directing them to accelerate enforcement measures. It has now emerged that a formal communication has also been received from the MoI. In response, CPO Hamdani has reissued detailed written orders titled "Operations Against Illegal Afghan Nationals", addressed to the Superintendents of Police of the three divisions — Potohar SP, Saddar SP, and Rawal SP — as well as to all SDPOs and SHOs concerned. The directive mandates the formation of specialised teams at police station level to conduct targeted operations within their respective jurisdictions. These teams are instructed to locate and detain all Afghan nationals residing illegally, including but not limited to individuals without valid residency permits, persons holding expired visas, those lacking legal identity or documentation, holders of UNHCR tokens, and individuals without Afghan Citizen Cards or Proof of Residence Cards. Upon detention, these individuals are to be transferred without delay to the relevant holding centres, from where repatriation to Afghanistan will be arranged. The circular further reaffirms that only Afghan citizens with valid visas are legally permitted to reside in Pakistan.
Express Tribune
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Police order aggressive crackdown on illegal Afghans
While showing dismay over lackluster performance of police stations, police authorities have issued fresh orders to detain illegal residents and transfer them to designated holding centres ahead of their deportation to Afghanistan. City Police Officer (CPO) Khalid Hamdani has expressed deep dissatisfaction over the underwhelming performance of local police circles and Station House Officers (SHOs) in enforcing previously issued directives. According to sources, the ongoing campaign to identify and repatriate Afghan nationals residing unlawfully in Rawalpindi has entered a more aggressive phase. In a formal directive, CPO Hamdani instructed all Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) and SHOs to take immediate and decisive action. The orders have also been communicated to Operations SSP Kashif Zulfiqar, Security SP, and all three divisional SPs. The CPO emphasised the need for strict action against Afghan nationals who are in possession of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), individuals whose visas have expired or who have overstayed, persons lacking any legal documentation, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) token holders living or working within city limits. The CPO made it clear that such individuals must be taken into custody and transferred to official holding centres to initiate the repatriation process. The directive also pointed to the disappointing performance at the police station level, noting that previous instructions had not been implemented with the seriousness they required. The CPO reiterated that strict compliance is mandatory, and daily progress reports on arrests and detentions must be submitted to the CPO's office without delay. The order concluded with a stern warning that any failure to enforce these directives will not be tolerated.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Two cops held for abduction, extortion
Two policemen have been booked in a case, suspended from service and arrested for allegedly getting involved in abduction and extortion. The action has been taken on the orders of Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO) Syed Khalid Hamdani. According to a police spokesperson, the matter came to light when a citizen submitted a formal complaint to the city police chief, alleging that two officials, posted in the Crime Control Department and at Naseerabad Police Station, had extorted money from him. The officials allegedly stopped the complainant, who was riding a motorcycle, threatened him, and forcibly took Rs85,000. The complainant accused the cops of kidnapping him and receiving money. The Potohar SP led the inquiry, which established the allegations. Taking notice of the complaint, the CPO ordered an inquiry into the matter. Following the investigation, a case was registered at the Civil Lines Police Station against the accused who were also taken into custody. Both officers have already been suspended, and departmental disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against them. CPO Hamdani says abuse of power and corruption will not be tolerated under any circumstances and has advised the Rawalpindi police to correct their conduct and otherwise those involved in crime or its facilitation will no longer remain part of the force.
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Express Tribune
Police accuse TikToker for chaos at int'l food chain
Rawalpindi police have arrested ten individuals for storming into an international fast-food outlet under the guise of protest and harassing families and staff inside. The main suspect has been identified as a TikToker who, according to police, orchestrated the incident to gain online fame. Rawalpindi City Police Officer (CPO), Khalid Hamdani, during a press conference with SP Potohar Talha Wali and DSP Cantt Mirza Javed Iqbal, said that the accused disrupted public peace and created fear in the Rawalpindi Cantt area on the night of April 13. "These individuals entered the fast-food branch in the presence of women, children, and staff and caused chaos," he stated. The police tracked down the culprits using CCTV footage and human intelligence, arresting all ten within 48 hours. CPO Hamdani confirmed that the suspects have no affiliation with any political or other organisations. One of them is a contract employee at WAPDA, while the main suspect, identified as Kamran, is a TikTok content creator. The arrested individuals include Kamran, Naseem, Tauseef, Khizar, Mansoor, Zaid, Asif, Azmat, Nasir, and Hamza. CPO Hamdani emphasised that no one will be allowed to disturb peace and harass families in food courts and commercial areas. He added that security has been increased in all such areas. "We will not tolerate such behaviour in a civilised society. Awareness seminars will be held, and legal experts are being consulted to possibly prosecute such acts under anti-terrorism laws in the future."
Gulf Today
09-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE tourism earns Dhs45b in hotel revenues
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council, highlighted the continued growth and robust performance of the UAE's tourism sector. He attributed this growth to the wise leadership's directives and forward-looking vision, which led to the development of sustainable policies, strategies, and initiatives that drive the sector's progress. Al Marri said that hotel revenues in the UAE reached approximately Dhs45 billion in 2024, reflecting a 3% year-over-year growth. Hotel occupancy rates also climbed to 78% last year, ranking among the highest both regionally and globally. Bin Touq added, 'The UAE continues to advance its national efforts to develop innovative tourism initiatives and projects, while strengthening collaboration with all relevant local and international tourism bodies. These efforts aim to elevate the UAE's status as the best tourism identity globally by the next decade, offering world-class experiences that further enhance the country's appeal to visitors from around the world.' Ayman Ashor, Cluster General Manager, Al Bandar Rotana and Arjaan by Rotana told Gulf Today that Dubai's extraordinary positioning as a global hub of innovation and luxury has led to a remarkable surge in occupancy rates and average hotel rates. 'This growth is a testament to our commitment to excellence in hospitality, attracting visitors from around the world who seek unparalleled experiences'. 'As we continue to enhance our offerings and invest in sustainable tourism, we are excited to contribute to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's most sought-after destination.' Ashor added. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace & Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said: 'We are proud to contribute to the impressive growth of the UAE's tourism sector, as highlighted by Abdullah Bin Touq Almarri. At Bahi Ajman Palace and Coral Beach Resort Sharjah. Hamdani added that they have achieved an outstanding occupancy rate of 90% year-to-date in 2024. This achievement underscores the robust demand and appeal of the Northern Emirates as a key destination for visitors. 'Our success is a testament to the commitment and excellence our teams exhibit daily, providing exceptional experiences for our guests.' Hamdani concluded.
