Punjab Police have launched a major crackdown on illegal Afghan residents, successfully deporting over 31,000 individuals from across the province, officials said. The operation underscores the provincial administration’s determination to enforce immigration laws while maintaining security and public order.
A Punjab Police spokesperson confirmed that the comprehensive operations, carried out in Lahore and other districts, have so far led to the deportation of 31,154 Afghan nationals. Among those deported were 11,362 men, 6,426 women, and 19,366 children. At present, 165 individuals remain at various holding points across the province awaiting formal repatriation.
The deported Afghans fell into three categories: 9,931 had some form of residential documentation, 11,064 held Afghan citizen cards, while 10,016 were residing entirely illegally without any valid documentation. Authorities emphasized that each case is being handled in accordance with Pakistan’s laws and immigration regulations.
To streamline verification and deportation processes, Punjab Police have established 46 holding centers across the province, including five in Lahore alone. These centers facilitate thorough documentation and screening before individuals are repatriated to their home country.
The spokesperson stated that the operations aim not only to enforce legal residency requirements but also to enhance provincial security and safeguard local communities. Authorities urged all Afghan residents to regularize their status and comply with legal procedures to avoid penal consequences.
Punjab Police have vowed to continue these operations across the province, ensuring that undocumented Afghan residents are identified and repatriated in accordance with the law. The provincial administration affirmed that these measures are part of a broader commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace and order across Punjab.
