Punjab repatriates 142,820 illegal Afghans in ongoing crackdown

LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department's Foreign National Security Cell has ramped up its efforts to repatriate Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan. In line with government policy, these individuals are being arrested and moved to holding centres, where all legal procedures are completed before their return to Afghanistan.

To date, a total of 2,760,653 Afghan residents have been repatriated from Pakistan, with 142,820 of these located in Punjab. A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department explained that under Pakistan's regulations, Afghan nationals found without a valid visa are considered to be in an illegal presence. As part of the ongoing operation, residential neighborhoods and markets throughout Punjab are being meticulously inspected, leading to the arrest of these individuals and their transfer to holding centres.

Currently, there are 39 such centres operating in Punjab, housing 213 Afghan nationals. These facilities provide temporary living arrangements, registration, and the process for repatriation. Once repatriated, the Afghan nationals are handed over to their respective authorities at the Torkham border. The success of this initiative is attributed to the strategic approach and proactive actions taken by the Punjab government.

They have called upon all Pakistanis to collaborate in this national repatriation effort and have encouraged the public to report any instances of illegal stay, identity fraud, or suspicious activities involving Afghan nationals to the Emergency Helpline 15. The Punjab Home Department is strictly maintaining confidentiality regarding the identity of any informants.

It is emphasized that the focus is on individuals residing illegally in Pakistan. This national mission is being supported through widespread monitoring and coordination by the Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department.