LAHORE: The repatriation drive against undocumented Afghan nationals continues across Punjab, with more than 140,000 Afghan citizens sent back to Afghanistan so far, according to the Punjab Home Department.
The department’s Foreign National Security Cell has been conducting operations against undocumented foreign nationals in different parts of the province, including residential areas and markets.
According to an official spokesperson, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have so far returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, while 140,468 undocumented Afghan nationals have been repatriated from Punjab.
The spokesperson said that under the government’s stated policy, Afghan nationals staying in Pakistan without a valid visa are considered to be residing illegally. Authorities are therefore continuing verification and enforcement operations across the province.
Undocumented Afghan nationals detained during the operations are shifted to holding centres, where arrangements are made for temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation.
The Punjab Home Department said 39 holding centres are currently operational across the province, with 188 Afghan nationals presently housed there.
After completion of the required legal and administrative procedures, the individuals are transported to the Torkham border, where they are handed over to Afghan authorities for return to their country.
The department said the ongoing measures are being carried out in accordance with the government’s policy concerning undocumented foreign nationals.
