{EOP}Five German Nationals Arrested in Lahore

LAHORE: Five German nationals were arrested in Lahore on Friday for not having their travel documents.

According to Express 24/7 correspondent Shiraz Hasnat, the foreigners were not able to provide their documents and were taken into custody for questioning by the police.

The reporter said that police had found snapshots on their cameras of the railway headquarters and other sensitive areas nearby.

The German nationals said they were on a visit to Lahore and their travel documents were at the hotel.

In the aftermath of the arrest of US national Aaron Mark DeHaven, who was detained in Peshawar for overstaying his visa, a nationwide crackdown has begun against foreign citizens living in the country illegally.

Law enforcement agencies have begun investigating the presence of foreign citizens residing in the country illegally and have begun receiving information that suggests that a large number of people are living in Lahore and its environs without proper documentation.

Under the Foreigners Act of 1946, the penalty for overstaying visas can stretch up to five years in prison and a fine. Entering the country illegally carries a penalty of up to ten years in prison and a fine of Rs100,000. However, these penalties are rarely pursued.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 4nd, 2011.