LAHORE: The Foreign National Security Cell of the home department has identified, arrested and deported some 140,468 illegal Afghan nationals from Punjab so far.

The security cell is continuing its operations as part of the ongoing campaign for the deportation of Afghan nationals. In accordance with the national policy, illegally residing Afghan nationals are being apprehended and shifted to holding centres, where the necessary documentation is completed before their deportation to Afghanistan.

According to a total tally, some 2.68m Afghan nationals have been deported from Pakistan.

A spokesperson for the provincial home department says the stay of Afghan nationals without a valid visa is illegal. As part of the ongoing crackdown, residential areas and markets across the province are being thoroughly checked.

The spokesperson says that 39 holding centers are currently operational across Punjab where 188 Afghan nationals are present where they have been provided temporary accommodation while registration and arrangements for their repatriation are being completed.

“Illegally residing Afghan nationals are handed over to the Afghan authorities at the Torkham border,” the spokesperson said.

He stressed that cooperation of all citizens was essential for the successful completion of the national deportation mission. He urged the public to report any illegal stay, identity fraud or suspicious activities involving Afghan nationals to 15. He said the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026