Lahore: The Government of Pakistan, through the Foreign National Security Cell of the Home Department Punjab, has intensified efforts to repatriate Afghan nationals residing illegally within its borders. As part of a nationwide crackdown, authorities have apprehended and repatriated a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals, including 140,468 from the Punjab province.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the strategy involves apprehending Afghan nationals without valid visas and relocating them to holding centers for documentation before repatriation to Afghanistan. The ongoing operations, guided by the national policy, have led to thorough inspections of residential areas and markets across Punjab. The provincial government has set up 39 operational holding centers, housing 188 Afghan nationals, to provide temporary accommodation, registration, and repatriation arrangements.

The spokesperson for the Home Department Punjab emphasized the necessity of adhering to Pakistan’s immigration policies, noting that Afghan nationals without valid visas are considered to be residing illegally. The government encourages public cooperation in reporting illegal activities or suspicious behavior involving Afghan nationals, assuring confidentiality for informants.

The repatriation process concludes with the transfer of individuals to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border. The current measures reflect the government’s proactive administrative approach, aiming to ensure the success of the national repatriation mission. The Foreign National Security Cell continues to play a critical role in province-wide monitoring and coordination efforts.