Mass Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Pakistan’s Punjab Province Continues

Approximately 140,000 Afghan refugees have been expelled from Pakistan’s Punjab province. Authorities in the region have confirmed the continuation of operations to return Afghan nationals.

Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Punjab

Pakistani officials have reported that a total of 140,468 Afghan refugees without legal residency status have been identified and expelled from Punjab. This operation is part of a nationwide campaign aimed at repatriating undocumented foreign nationals.

Total Numbers of Expelled Refugees

According to provided statistics, the overall number of Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan has reached approximately 2.68 million. This figure includes individuals who have been identified and sent back to their home country during recent operations.

Refugee Holding Centers

Currently, there are 39 active holding centers in Punjab. Within these facilities, 188 Afghan refugees are temporarily accommodated as their registration and repatriation processes are finalized.

Role of the Punjab Interior Department

The Punjab Interior Department has emphasized that Afghans residing in the country without valid visas will be detained and transferred to holding centers. Officials have also urged the public to report cases of illegal residency.

Transfer to Taliban Authorities

Upon completion of the registration process, Afghan individuals lacking legal residency will be handed over to Taliban officials at the Torkham border crossing. This measure is being taken to prevent illegal residency in Pakistan.