LAHORE (Dunya News) - The crackdown against illegal foreign residents across Punjab continues to gain momentum, with thousands of individuals deported in recent weeks.
According to a spokesperson for Punjab Police, more than 31,000 people, including Afghans and other foreign nationals, have been deported so far from various districts, including Lahore. The operation is part of a province-wide campaign to remove those living in Pakistan without valid documentation.
Police officials stated that currently, 165 individuals without legal residency are present at different holding points awaiting completion of formal procedures. Among those deported are 11,362 men, 6,426 women and 19,366 children.
Figures provided by the police show that 9,931 deportees possessed some form of residency proof, while 11,064 were holders of the Afghan Citizen Card. The remaining 10,016 individuals were found to be completely undocumented and residing illegally.
To streamline the process, five holding centres have been set up in Lahore, while a total of 46 centres are operating across Punjab. At these centres, documentation, verification and screening are carried out before deportations take place.
Authorities say the operation will continue until all illegal residents are identified and processed according to the law. Police officials maintain that the campaign is being conducted in an organised manner, ensuring families receive necessary support while legal formalities are completed.