LAHORE: The Punjab Home Department has said operations are ongoing under a campaign for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan, with effective actions being carried out by the Foreign National Security Cell.
According to a handout issued by the Directorate General Public Relations Punjab, in line with the national policy, Afghan citizens residing illegally are being sent back to their country. So far, 2.132 million Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Pakistan, including more than 150,000 from Punjab.
The spokesperson stated that during the closure of the Torkham border due to tensions at the Pak-Afghan border, 936 illegal Afghan residents were repatriated through the Chaman border. The Torkham border is being reopened from today. Under the government of Pakistan’s policy, the stay of all Afghan nationals without valid visas is considered illegal.
During the recent crackdown, inspections were carried out in 2,667 residential areas and 1,177 markets across the province. Over the past month, 468 FIRs were registered, and 591 illegal Afghan residents were sent to jail. At present, 36 holding centres are operational in Punjab, where 259 Afghan nationals are being accommodated temporarily and will be repatriated through the Torkham border. These centres provide facilities for temporary stay, registration, and arrangements for return.
The spokesperson said these figures reflect the Punjab government’s effective strategy and active administrative measures. Public cooperation is essential for the national mission of repatriation of Afghan nationals. Citizens have been urged to report any illegal stay, identity fraud, or suspicious activities of Afghan nationals by calling Emergency 15. So far, 842 complaints have been received on the helpline, and action has been taken on them. The identity of informants is kept confidential.
It was emphasized that action is being taken only against those residing illegally. Afghan citizens possessing valid visas are allowed to conduct business, employment, and other activities within the legal framework. The Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department is monitoring and coordinating operations across the province in this regard.
