Around 2.132 million illegal Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Pakistan so far, including over 150,000 from Punjab, under the ongoing campaign against illegal foreign residents.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said on Thursday that the Foreign National Security Cell of the department was continuing effective operations across the province in line with the national policy, under which illegally residing Afghan nationals were being sent back to their homeland.
During the closure of the Torkham border, 936 illegal Afghan residents were repatriated via the Chaman border, while authorities have announced that the Torkham border would reopen from today following improved conditions along the Pak-Afghan border.
The spokesperson reiterated that, according to the government of Pakistan’s clear policy, the stay of Afghan nationals without valid visas is illegal.
He said that during the crackdown, authorities inspected 2,667 residential areas and 1,177 markets across Punjab. Over the past one month, 468 FIRs were registered and 591 illegal Afghan nationals were sent to jail.
At present, 36 holding centres are operational in Punjab, where 259 Afghan nationals are present, and arrangements have been made for their temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation.
The spokesperson said the figures reflected the Punjab government’s effective strategy and proactive administrative measures, adding that public cooperation was essential for the success of the national repatriation mission.
Citizens have been urged to report illegal residence, identity fraud or suspicious activities involving Afghan nationals by calling Emergency Helpline 15. So far, 842 complaints have been received and acted upon, while the identity of informants is kept confidential.
The spokesperson clarified that action was being taken only against illegally residing individuals, while Afghan nationals possessing valid visas were allowed to conduct business, employment and other activities within the ambit of law.