In response to growing security concerns along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the Punjab Police have significantly ramped up their operations to identify and deport illegal foreign nationals residing within the province. This intensified campaign has resulted in the removal of a substantial number of undocumented individuals, reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.
Since the launch of this operation, authorities have successfully deported a total of 32,588 foreign nationals, primarily Afghan nationals, from various parts of Punjab, including the provincial capital, Lahore. The deportees comprise a diverse group, including 12,273 men, 6,661 women, and 13,654 children, highlighting the broad demographic impact of this crackdown. The presence of such a large number of families underscores the complexity of the issue and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in managing humanitarian as well as security aspects.
Currently, 90 individuals without proper documentation remain in designated holding facilities as the authorities continue processing their cases. Among those deported, 10,419 had some form of residential documentation, while 11,098 possessed Afghan Citizen Cards. However, a significant portion, totaling 11,071 people, were found to be residing illegally without any valid papers, which prompted their immediate deportation. This categorization illustrates the varied legal statuses of foreign nationals living in Punjab and the efforts to distinguish between documented residents and those violating immigration laws.
Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim has reiterated the province’s heightened security measures, emphasizing that Punjab remains on high alert to prevent any security breaches. He urged all illegal foreign nationals to voluntarily leave the province to avoid legal consequences. IGP Karim also assured that the Punjab Police are conducting these deportations in full compliance with international legal standards, ensuring that human rights considerations are respected throughout the process.
This crackdown comes amid broader regional security challenges, particularly along the porous Pak-Afghan border, where illegal crossings and unregulated migration have long posed risks. The Punjab government’s firm stance on deportations reflects a strategic approach to safeguard internal security while managing demographic pressures. Moving forward, authorities are expected to maintain vigilance and continue coordinated efforts with federal agencies to monitor and regulate the presence of foreign nationals in the province.
