ISLAMABAD:The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the district administration with the support of local police bulldozed a settlement of Afghan refugees built illegally in Margalla Town of Islamabad, officials said Thursday.

A heavy machinery was used to demolish houses and shops to the ground amid Afghanis resistance. CDA said that the Afghan refugees had occupied the place since a long time.

Two days ago, the National Apex Committee, in its meeting with Caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar in the chair, had decided in principle to evict foreigners living illegally in Pakistan. The meeting was also attended by COAS General Asim Munir, the chief ministers of four provinces, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Recent increase in incidents of terrorism prompted the authorities to take the decision. Pakistan gave such foreigners the deadline of October 31 to leave the country or face the music.