Punjab Intensifies Crackdown: Over 150,000 Illegal Afghan Nationals Repatriated

Pakistan Bureau report   LAHORE Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 

In a major push to enforce national immigration laws, the Foreign National Security Cell of the Home Department Punjab has ramped up its operations against illegally residing Afghan nationals. The province has successfully repatriated over 150,000 individuals back to Afghanistan as part of a ongoing countrywide campaign that began in 2023.
According to an official handout issued by the department on Thursday, this figure is part of a larger national effort that has seen approximately 2 million undocumented Afghan citizens return to their homeland. "The statistics reflect the Punjab government's effective strategy and proactive administrative measures," the official spokesperson stated, emphasizing that the operation strictly targets individuals without valid documentation.
Holding Centers and Verification Drives
To streamline the process, the Punjab government has established 37 holding centers across the province. Currently, 69 Afghan nationals are residing in these facilities, where they are being processed and will be repatriated upon the completion of all necessary documentation. These centers provide temporary accommodation, registration, and facilitate the return process.
The recent intensification of the crackdown involved comprehensive inspections of public spaces, residential neighborhoods, religious seminaries (madrassas), and educational institutions. Authorities also scrutinized various business activities to identify and apprehend individuals living in the country illegally.
Officials revealed that 11,739 individuals have been identified and sent back during this latest phase of the crackdown.
Public Cooperation and Technology
The Home Department has called upon the citizens of Punjab to support the "national mission" by reporting any information about illegal residents. "Report any information regarding the illegal stay, identity forgery, or suspicious activities of Afghan citizens to Emergency 15," the spokesperson urged.
Public cooperation has already yielded significant results. According to the department, tips received via the emergency helpline have led to the repatriation of 450 Afghan nationals.
In a bid to enhance the effectiveness of the operation, the government is also deploying modern technology. Facial recognition cameras are now being utilized to identify individuals who are residing in the country without legal authorization.
Clarification on Legal Residents
The Home Department was careful to reiterate that the campaign is directed exclusively at individuals staying without a valid visa. "It is clear that action is being taken only against illegally residing individuals," the spokesperson clarified. "Afghan citizens holding valid visas have access to business, employment, and other facilities within the legal framework."
The Foreign National Security Cell continues to monitor and coordinate the repatriation efforts across the province to ensure compliance with the clear policy set by the federal government.