The Punjab government has significantly accelerated its ongoing campaign against illegal foreign residents, with Punjab Police confirming that more than 35,000 Afghan nationals and other undocumented foreigners have so far been deported from Lahore and various districts across the province.
According to an official statement issued by the spokesperson for Punjab Police, the repatriation process is continuing under strict legal and administrative procedures, while security agencies remain on high alert to ensure effective implementation of the government’s policy regarding undocumented foreign nationals.
Authorities disclosed that 163 illegally residing individuals are currently being held at designated holding points across the province. Officials stated that these individuals will also be repatriated once the required legal formalities and verification procedures are completed.
Police data revealed that those deported include 13,728 men, 7,048 women, and 14,366 children, reflecting the large-scale nature of the ongoing operation. Officials emphasized that the deportation process is being carried out in accordance with national laws and international legal obligations.
According to official statistics, among those deported were 10,898 individuals possessing proof of residence, while 11,131 individuals were holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). In addition, 13,113 undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in Punjab were also sent back to their respective countries.
Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar has directed all law enforcement agencies across the province to maintain heightened security measures and ensure the complete implementation of the illegal foreign nationals’ repatriation policy.
Police authorities stated that Punjab Police is fully committed to enforcing the government’s directives under international laws and established legal frameworks, adding that the repatriation process is being conducted in an organized and lawful manner.
Officials further noted that enhanced monitoring, verification drives, and coordinated intelligence-based operations are continuing throughout Punjab to identify illegally residing foreigners and prevent any security challenges associated with undocumented residency.
The repatriation drive forms part of the broader national policy aimed at strengthening internal security, improving immigration regulation, and ensuring the documentation of all foreign nationals residing in Pakistan.
Security experts believe the continued enforcement of the policy demonstrates the government’s resolve to address concerns linked to illegal residency, undocumented migration, and national security, particularly amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Authorities have reiterated that the operation will continue until all illegally residing foreign nationals are processed in accordance with the law and relevant international protocols.
