Pakistan continues repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals

Punjab authorities have stepped up action against Afghan nationals living in the province without valid documents.

Punjab authorities have stepped up action against Afghan nationals living in the province without valid documents.

The Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department is carrying out checks across the province. Officials are identifying Afghan nationals who are staying without acceptable visas.

Those found to be residing illegally are being detained. They are then moved to designated holding centres before being repatriated to Afghanistan.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department said 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have so far been repatriated from Pakistan.

The spokesperson said 140,468 undocumented Afghan nationals have been sent back from Punjab alone.

Officials said the action is being carried out under the government’s existing policy. Under the policy, Afghan nationals without valid and acceptable visas are considered to be staying illegally in Pakistan.

The crackdown is not limited to one area. Officials are conducting checks in residential neighbourhoods and commercial markets across Punjab.

The authorities are also monitoring places where foreign nationals may be living or working. The purpose is to identify people who do not have the required legal documents.

The department said detained Afghan nationals are transferred to holding centres. These facilities are being used to manage the repatriation process.

There are currently 39 active holding centres across Punjab. According to the department, 188 Afghan nationals are currently staying in these centres.

The provincial authorities have also directed action against people who rent properties to undocumented foreign nationals. Cases can be registered against property owners found violating the relevant rules.

Officials said the enforcement drive will continue across the province. Authorities are maintaining checks in different areas as part of efforts to enforce immigration regulations.