Authorities detain hundreds, register dozens of cases in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
RAWALPINDI/PESHAWAR: Authorities have intensified their operations across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals accelerates.
A day after the process resumed, law enforcement agencies launched a wide-ranging crackdown against illegally residing foreign citizens, detaining hundreds and filing dozens of cases to enforce the government’s directives.
Crackdown in Punjab
In Rawalpindi, police registered 63 cases over the past five days and arrested 18 landlords accused of renting out properties to Afghan nationals without proper verification.
Officials reported that 216 Afghan citizens were detained and shifted to a designated holding centre for processing and deportation.
Cases were filed across multiple police stations, including Pirwadhai, Waris Khan, New Town, and Ratta Amral.
Authorities have warned residents against renting, leasing, or selling property or vehicles to foreigners without valid documentation.
“The police have issued strict directives prohibiting citizens from employing or conducting business with illegal residents,” a statement read, urging the public to report undocumented individuals immediately.
The Punjab government has also initiated awareness campaigns through mosques and social media platforms, emphasizing that violations of these laws will result in legal action.
Repatriation Drive in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Official data from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa revealed that over 828,000 Afghan refugees have returned home since the start of the repatriation drive.
On Friday alone, 5,220 refugees crossed through the Torkham border, including 401 documented and 2,314 undocumented individuals.
Authorities added that 25,392 Afghans have been repatriated from other provinces, while 19 individuals were deported via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s transit points.
The Home Department confirmed that 7,261 Afghans had been repatriated from prisons in Peshawar, Landi Kotal, and Kohat, while another 1,326 refugees were temporarily held before being sent back.
Data shows that over 54,000 documented and 628,000 undocumented Afghans have so far been repatriated as Pakistan continues its efforts to regulate foreign residency and strengthen border security.
Torkham and Chaman Borders Reopen
Pakistan reopened the Torkham border crossing for Afghan refugees on Saturday, ending a two-week closure that followed deadly clashes between border forces last month.
Nearly 10,700 individuals also crossed through the Chaman border in a single day, marking one of the largest repatriation movements this year.
Authorities emphasized that all deportations are being conducted in accordance with legal and administrative protocols, with full document verification before departure.
Officials assured that the repatriation process is being carried out in a dignified, organized, and humanitarian manner, with temporary shelters, medical assistance, and food facilities provided by the Frontier Corps (FC) and civil administration.
Pakistan’s Efforts to Ensure Order and Dignity
Authorities reiterated that Pakistan remains committed to managing the process in a way that respects human rights and upholds the law.
“Our goal is to ensure a fair, lawful, and humane process while maintaining national security,” an official stated.
With the operation expanding across multiple provinces, the government continues to stress cooperation from landlords, employers, and citizens to support an orderly and transparent repatriation.