The Punjab Home Department has continued its operations against illegally residing foreign nationals, with authorities confirming that thousands of Afghan citizens have been sent back to their country under the government’s national policy. Officials said the campaign is being carried out by the department’s Foreign National Security Cell across the province.
According to the spokesperson, since 2023 nearly two million Afghan nationals have returned from Pakistan to Afghanistan, while more than 150,000 were repatriated specifically from Punjab. The figures, authorities claim, reflect the provincial government’s effective strategy and active administrative measures to enforce immigration laws.
The government has reiterated that, under the national policy, any Afghan citizen staying in Pakistan without a valid visa is considered to be residing illegally. Officials stressed that only those with proper travel documents are allowed to remain in the country, while others are required to return to Afghanistan.
Authorities also revealed that 37 holding centres are currently functioning in Punjab, where illegal residents are temporarily housed, registered, and processed before repatriation. At present, dozens of Afghan nationals are staying in these facilities as arrangements for their return are completed.
During the ongoing crackdown, officials conducted inspections in public places, residential areas, religious seminaries, educational institutions, and business locations throughout the province. As a result of these operations, more than 11,700 illegal Afghan residents were identified and deported. Information provided by citizens through the emergency helpline 15 also led to action against hundreds of individuals.
The spokesperson added that modern technology, including facial recognition cameras, is being used to support the campaign. Authorities clarified that the action is only against those residing illegally, while Afghan nationals with valid visas can continue their businesses, employment, and daily activities within the law.
The Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department is overseeing monitoring and coordination across the province, and officials have urged the public to cooperate with the national mission by reporting illegal residency or suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
