LAHORE: The Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department has intensified campaign for the repatriation of illegally residing Afghan nationals.
In accordance with government policy, illegally residing Afghan nationals are being apprehended and shifted to holding centres, where the necessary documentation and legal formalities are completed before they are repatriated to Afghanistan.
So far, a total of 2,760,653 illegal Afghan residents have been repatriated from Pakistan, including 142,820 from Punjab. According to the Punjab Home Department spokesperson, under the clearly defined policy of the Government of Pakistan, the stay of Afghan nationals without a valid visa is illegal.
As part of the ongoing crackdown, residential areas and markets across the province are being thoroughly checked, and illegally residing Afghan nationals are being apprehended and transferred to holding centres.
According to a senior officer, 39 holding centres are currently operational across Punjab, where 213 Afghan nationals are presently housed. The holding centres have arrangements for the temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation of illegally residing Afghan nationals. The illegally residing Afghan nationals are subsequently handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border.
The sources said that the figures reflect the effective strategy and proactive administrative measures adopted by the Government of Punjab. He added that the cooperation of all Pakistanis is required for the successful completion of the national repatriation effort.
The public is urged to report the illegal stay, identity fraud or suspicious activities of Afghan nationals to Emergency Helpline 15.
The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential. It is said that action is being taken only against individuals residing illegally in Pakistan. To facilitate the completion of this national mission, the Foreign National Security Cell of the Punjab Home Department is carrying out province-wide monitoring and coordination.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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