Over 140,000 Afghan nationals repatriated from Punjab: home department

LAHORE: The repatriation drive against Afghan nationals illegally residing in Pakistan has intensified, with 2,689,295 Afghan nationals repatriated from the country so far, including 140,468 from Punjab, the Punjab Home Department said on Sunday.

According to the department, the Foreign National Security Cell is continuing province-wide operations under the government’s policy for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas.

The Punjab Home Department said that Afghan nationals found to be residing illegally are being apprehended and shifted to designated holding centres, where their documentation and other formalities are completed before they are repatriated to Afghanistan.

The home department said that 39 holding centres are currently operational across Punjab, with 188 Afghan nationals present at these facilities.

Temporary accommodation, registration and arrangements for repatriation have been established at the holding centres, while those identified for repatriation are handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border.

Province-wide checks

According to the Punjab Home Department spokesperson, residential areas and markets across Punjab are being thoroughly checked as part of the ongoing crackdown.

The Foreign National Security Cell is conducting province-wide monitoring and coordinating with relevant authorities to implement the repatriation policy.

The spokesperson reiterated that, under the government’s stated policy, Afghan nationals staying in Pakistan without a valid visa are considered to be residing illegally.

The department said the number of repatriations reflected what it described as the effectiveness of the Punjab government’s administrative measures and strategy.

The spokesperson also stressed that the ongoing action was directed only against individuals residing in Pakistan illegally.

Public urged to report illegal stay

The Punjab Home Department has urged citizens to cooperate with authorities in completing the repatriation drive.

The public has been asked to report cases involving illegal stay, identity fraud or suspicious activities involving Afghan nationals to Emergency Helpline 15.

The department said the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

The Punjab Home Department maintained that the Foreign National Security Cell would continue monitoring the situation across the province and coordinating with relevant departments to ensure implementation of the national repatriation policy.