News Desk
LAHORE: Punjab’s Home Department said its Foreign National Security Cell had continued a crackdown on Afghan nationals living in the province without valid legal documents, with those detained being transferred for repatriation to Afghanistan.
According to a department spokesperson, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals had so far been repatriated from Pakistan, including 140,468 from Punjab. The spokesperson said Afghan citizens without valid visas were considered to be staying in Pakistan unlawfully under the government’s policy.
Authorities had therefore intensified checks in residential areas and markets across the province to identify people without the required documentation. Officials said those detained during the checks were transferred to holding centers before being repatriated to Afghanistan. The process was being carried out through designated facilities established for the purpose.
There were currently 39 holding centers operating across Punjab, according to the department. The centers were housing 188 Afghan nationals who were awaiting further processing and repatriation.
The Home Department said the Foreign National Security Cell was continuing to monitor the presence of foreign nationals and was taking action against those found without valid documentation.
The crackdown formed part of the government’s wider policy on the repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals. Authorities have maintained that individuals staying in Pakistan must comply with immigration and visa requirements.
The department said checks would continue in different parts of Punjab, including residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. Officials were also working to verify the legal status of Afghan nationals encountered during the inspections.
The repatriation process has involved coordination between provincial authorities and relevant federal agencies. Those detained were being moved to holding facilities before arrangements were made for their return to Afghanistan.
