Pakistani authorities decided to deport 284 foreign nationals arrested in connection with crackdown. Ministry of Interior cancelled visas of all 284 individuals and issued them 15-day one-time exit permits, giving them a limited window to leave the country.
The action followed joint operation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) at Sparco Plaza in Gulberg Greens, where the foreign nationals were arrested.
The majority of those detained are citizens of Vietnam, Indonesia and China. Most of the suspects had reportedly entered Pakistan on tourist or visit visas. Authorities have decided that all 284 foreign nationals must leave Pakistan within 15 days. But the action does not end with deportation.
After their departure, the individuals will reportedly be placed on Pakistan’s blacklist and Passport Control List (PCL), effectively blocking them from returning. Sources further said the deported individuals will not be issued Pakistani visas in the future.
The sweeping action is crackdown on foreign nationals allegedly involved in online fraud and signals tougher scrutiny of foreigners operating in Pakistan under tourist and visit visas.
