Nearly 2.7 million Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan since Pakistan launched a nationwide drive against undocumented foreigners in late 2023, the Punjab government said on Sunday.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab Home Department, a total of 2,689,295 Afghan nationals have so far been repatriated from Pakistan, including 140,468 from Punjab.
The department said Afghan nationals without valid visas were considered to be residing illegally in Pakistan under the federal government’s policy.
It said authorities were continuing checks in residential areas and markets across the province, with undocumented Afghan nationals being detained and shifted to holding centres before repatriation.
“There are currently 39 holding centres operational in Punjab, housing 188 Afghan nationals,” the statement said.
The department added that arrangements had been made at the centres for the temporary accommodation, registration and repatriation of undocumented foreigners.
Pakistan launched its Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan in October 2023, directing undocumented foreigners to leave the country voluntarily or face deportation.
The Punjab administration said its Foreign National Security Cell was coordinating and monitoring the ongoing operations across the province.It also urged citizens to report cases involving undocumented Afghan nationals, identity fraud or suspicious activity to the police.
