Punjab Continues Mass Expulsion of Afghan Refugees Amid Legal Crackdown

Approximately 140,000 Afghan refugees have been expelled from Punjab, Pakistan. Officials in the province have confirmed the continuation of operations to return Afghans.

Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Punjab

Pakistani authorities have reported that a total of 140,468 Afghan refugees without legal residency have been identified and expelled from Punjab. This operation is part of a nationwide campaign to repatriate undocumented foreign nationals.

Overall Statistics on Refugee Expulsion

According to provided figures, the total number of Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan has reached approximately 2.68 million. This figure includes those identified and returned to their home country during recent operations.

Refugee Detention Centers

Currently, 39 detention centers are operational in Punjab. These centers are temporarily housing 188 Afghan refugees while their registration and return processes are finalized.

Role of the Punjab Interior Ministry

The Punjab Interior Ministry has stressed that Afghans residing in the country without valid visas will be arrested and transferred to detention centers. Officials have also urged the public to report illegal residency cases.

Handing Over to Taliban Officials

Upon completion of the registration process, Afghan refugees without legal residency will be handed over to Taliban officials at the Torkham border crossing. This measure aims to prevent illegal residency in Pakistan.