LAHORE: Punjab authorities have intensified a crackdown on illegal foreign residents, deporting over 31,000 individuals in recent weeks. The operation targets undocumented migrants across the province, including Afghans and other nationals. Officials say the campaign will continue until all illegal residents are identified and processed under the law.
According to Punjab Police, the deportees include 11,362 men, 6,426 women, and 19,366 children. Among them, 9,931 had some form of residency proof, 11,064 held Afghan Citizen Cards, and 10,016 were completely undocumented. Authorities stressed that families are being supported during the verification and deportation process.
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Currently, 165 individuals without legal residency are held at different centres across the province awaiting formal procedures. Police have set up five holding centres in Lahore and a total of 46 centres across Punjab to manage documentation, verification, and screening.
Officials said the operation is being conducted in an organized manner, prioritizing law enforcement while ensuring humanitarian support. They reiterated that the crackdown aims to uphold legal residency rules and maintain public order.
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The authorities warned that the campaign will continue until all illegal residents are processed. Police emphasized that Punjab will remain strict against undocumented settlement while following legal procedures carefully.