LAHORE: The repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan continues as a priority, with the Home Department Punjab releasing updated statistics on the ongoing campaign.
According to the latest data, a total of 2,807,250 Afghan citizens have been repatriated from Pakistan to their homeland so far.
A spokesperson for the Home Department Punjab confirmed that out of this total, 143,474 individuals deemed to be residing illegally were sent back from the province of Punjab.
Currently, 39 holding centers remain operational across Punjab to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals.
These centers, currently housing 153 Afghan citizens, provide temporary accommodation, registration services, and logistical arrangements for their return.
The spokesperson emphasized that per the Government of Pakistan’s policy, any Afghan citizen staying without a valid visa is considered illegal.
Such individuals are apprehended, moved to holding centers for necessary processing, and subsequently handed over to Afghan authorities at the Torkham border.
As part of the crackdown, over 400,000 search operations have been conducted in residential areas and markets across Punjab.
Furthermore, legal action has been taken against 803 individuals for renting properties to illegally staying Afghan residents.
The Foreign National Security Wing of the Home Department Punjab is supervising these operations and ensuring coordination among relevant agencies, reiterating that the actions are strictly targeted at those without legal status.
Citizens are urged to report any illegal stays, identity fraud, or suspicious activities by Afghan nationals to the emergency number 15, with assurances that the informant’s identity will remain confidential.
The government remains committed to ensuring the smooth and lawful repatriation of Afghan nationals from the country.
Pakistan’s Stance on Peaceful Repatriation
Pakistan maintains a firm stance that the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally must be conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and dignified manner.
The government’s angle emphasizes that this is a sovereign decision aimed at regularizing foreign national presence within its borders, essential for national security and economic stability.
While upholding its commitment to international norms and its historical hospitality in hosting millions of refugees, Pakistan stresses that the prolonged and undocumented stay of a large number of individuals presents significant challenges.
The government seeks cooperation from the Afghan interim administration to facilitate this peaceful repatriation, aiming for a stable border and improved bilateral relations.
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Pakistan believes that the sustainable solution lies in the voluntary and peaceful return of Afghan nationals to contribute to the reconstruction and stability of their own country, supported by appropriate reintegration measures.
