ISLAMABAD – Sparco Plaza, the commercial landmark in Islamabad’s Gulberg Greens, has now been declared sub-jail as federal investigators crack down on Chinese nationals, with 374 reportedly arrested in a major operation across the capital.
Islamabad Chief Commissioner issued formal notification granting the facility sub-jail status with immediate effect, paving the way for authorities to detain FIA prisoners at the premises.
Under the order, FIA Director General will oversee the security of the sub-jail and its prisoners, while an officer of Grade 17 or above will be responsible for maintaining official records.
The major operation involved FIA and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), with sources claiming that 374 Chinese nationals have been arrested in Islamabad. 258 Chinese citizens were detained by the FIA under the Foreigners Act after allegedly failing to produce documents required to establish the legality of their stay in Pakistan.
Another group of Chinese nationals were arrested by the NCCIA during action against allegedly illegal call centres operating in the federal capital.
The arrests now triggered unusual development for Sparco Plaza, also known as Sparco Twin Towers. Originally planned as mixed-use commercial and residential project in Gulberg Greens, the property has been given an entirely different function following the Chief Commissioner’s order.
Authorities decided to use premises to accommodate arrested Chinese nationals, making Sparco Plaza a key detention facility amid the ongoing crackdown.
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