At least 12 Afghan nationals living illegally in Pakistan were arrested as a nationwide crackdown on illegal Afghan nationals is underway, sources said on Thursday.

As part of the operation against aliens, security authorities conducted screening, checked residency status, and verified identification documents in various regions.

According to security officials, operations were being carried out in sensitive locations, residential areas, and markets in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Murree, Attock, and Jhelum.

The operations were part of a broader effort to hunt illegal residents and enhance security amid the ongoing tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Authorities have registered cases against arrested Afghan nationals, as well as other criminal elements detained during the crackdown.

The sources said that unlicensed weapons have also been seized during the crackdown.

Personnel from the police, female police, Rangers, and the Elite Police took part in the operation.

Besides Intelligence agencies, personnel from the Dolphin Squad and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) played a significant role in the crackdown.