The Punjab Home Department announced that more than 140,000 Afghan nationals have been repatriated from the province as part of a broader national effort to remove individuals residing illegally in Pakistan. To date, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have been repatriated from across the country, with Punjab accounting for 140,468 of these returns.
In a significant development, the Foreign National Security Cell is actively conducting operations throughout Punjab under the government’s policy aimed at repatriating Afghan nationals who lack valid visas. Those found residing unlawfully are detained and transferred to designated holding centres where their documentation and other formalities are processed before they are sent back to Afghanistan.
Currently, 39 holding centres operate across Punjab, housing 188 Afghan nationals. These centres provide temporary accommodation, registration services, and repatriation arrangements. Individuals identified for repatriation are handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department has intensified inspections in residential areas and markets province-wide as part of the ongoing crackdown. The Foreign National Security Cell coordinates closely with relevant authorities to enforce the repatriation policy effectively.
The department emphasized that Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas are considered illegal residents under government policy. The high number of repatriations reflects the effectiveness of the Punjab government’s administrative strategies and enforcement measures.
Authorities clarified that the crackdown targets only those residing illegally, not the broader Afghan community. The department has called on the public to assist by reporting cases of illegal residency, identity fraud, or suspicious activities involving Afghan nationals through the Emergency Helpline 15, assuring strict confidentiality for informants.
Looking ahead, the Foreign National Security Cell will maintain vigilant monitoring across Punjab and continue collaborating with relevant departments to ensure the ongoing implementation of the national repatriation policy.
