Punjab law enforcers have arrested 284 illegal Afghan nationals and placed them in 39 holding centres across the province before sending them back to Afghanistan through the Torkham border, in line with the country’s national repatriation policy.
Pakistan’s campaign to remove foreign nationals living in the country illegally is continuing across the country.
Official figures show that a total of 2,663,891 Afghan nationals have so far been returned to Afghanistan under the national repatriation programme.
The Punjab Home Department’s Foreign National Security Cell has continued its operations as part of the campaign. Officials said that 139,902 Afghan nationals living illegally in Punjab have already been repatriated.
At present, 284 Afghan nationals are being accommodated in 39 holding centres established across Punjab.
The centres have been set up to provide temporary accommodation, complete registration procedures and make arrangements for their return to Afghanistan.
Under the national policy, Afghan nationals found to be residing illegally in Pakistan are being repatriated to their home country.
After completing the required formalities, they are escorted to the Torkham border, where they are handed over to the Afghan authorities.
The Punjab Home Department has appealed to the public to support the national repatriation mission by reporting the illegal stay of Afghan nationals, identity fraud or any suspicious activities through the Emergency 15 helpline.
The Home Department assured citizens of Punjab Province that the identity of anyone providing information would remain confidential.
The Home Department said its Foreign National Security Cell is continuing to monitor and coordinate the operation across Punjab.
It also clarified that enforcement measures are being carried out only against foreign nationals who are residing in Pakistan illegally.
