The Punjab police have significantly accelerated their campaign to deport illegal Afghan nationals residing within the province. To date, authorities have successfully repatriated a total of 32,932 undocumented Afghans from various cities, including the provincial capital, Lahore. This operation reflects the ongoing commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain security and uphold immigration laws in the region.
In an effort to streamline the deportation process, the Punjab police have established 401 holding points strategically located throughout the province. These centers serve as temporary detention and processing facilities for individuals identified as residing illegally. The creation of such infrastructure highlights the scale and seriousness of the operation, ensuring that the deportation procedures are conducted efficiently and in an organized manner.
Breaking down the demographics of those deported, officials revealed that the group comprised 12,498 men, 6,686 women, and 13,748 children. This diverse composition underscores the complex humanitarian and legal challenges involved in managing the repatriation of entire families and vulnerable groups. The authorities have been working to handle these cases with due consideration to humanitarian standards while enforcing immigration regulations.
Further details indicate that among the deported were 10,482 individuals who lacked any valid residential documentation, making their stay in Punjab unlawful. Additionally, 11,100 Afghan nationals holding citizen cards were also sent back, alongside 11,350 foreigners from other nationalities found residing illegally. This comprehensive approach demonstrates the police’s commitment to addressing illegal residency beyond just one nationality, reflecting broader immigration enforcement efforts.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Punjab, Rao Abdul Karim, emphasized that the province remains on high security alert amid these operations. He stated that the police are dedicated to ensuring that all illegal foreign nationals residing in Punjab are identified and deported in accordance with established policies. The IGP’s remarks underline the government’s focus on maintaining law and order while managing the sensitive issue of illegal immigration.
These deportation efforts come at a time when Punjab is grappling with various security challenges, making the regulation of foreign nationals a priority for provincial authorities. The police’s proactive stance aims to safeguard the province’s stability and address public concerns related to undocumented migrants. As the operation continues, it is expected that the Punjab police will maintain their rigorous approach to enforcing immigration laws across the region.
