LAHORE: The Punjab police department on Wednesday said that more than 33,000 illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans, have been deported from the province during the ongoing repatriation drive so far.

According to a police spokesperson, the process of deporting illegal foreign nationals was continuing steadily across Punjab, including Lahore, while 349 such individuals currently present at various holding points.

He says that among those deported, 12,565 were men, 6,695 women and 13,760 children.

The deportees included 10,505 individuals possessing proof of residence, 11,100 Afghan Citizen Card holders and 11,416 illegal foreign nationals.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem says that security across the province has been put on high alert and repatriation of all illegal individuals was being ensured.

He says the process is being carried out in accordance with international laws, adding that human rights are being fully observed in the repatriation drive.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2026