The province-wide crackdown on illegal foreign residents in Punjab has intensified, with authorities deporting more than 31,000 individuals over recent weeks, according to Punjab Police.
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A police spokesperson said the deportees included Afghans and other foreign nationals residing in districts such as Lahore without valid documentation. The campaign forms part of an ongoing effort to identify and remove individuals living in Pakistan illegally.
Officials confirmed that 165 undocumented residents are currently being held at designated holding points across the province as their legal and administrative procedures are finalized.
Breakdown of deportations so far shows:
11,362 men
6,426 women
19,366 children
Police data also revealed that 9,931 deportees had partial or expired residency documents, 11,064 held Afghan Citizen Cards, and 10,016 individuals were completely undocumented.
To facilitate the process, authorities have established five holding centers in Lahore and 46 centers across Punjab. These facilities conduct verification, screening, and documentation before individuals are formally deported.
Officials stated that the operation will continue until all illegal residents are identified and processed according to the law. They added that procedures are being carried out in an organized and humane manner, ensuring families receive necessary assistance throughout the process.
