Pakistan Expels 140,000 Undocumented Afghan Refugees from Punjab

Approximately 140,000 Afghan refugees have been expelled from Pakistan’s Punjab province. Officials in the province have confirmed that the return operations for Afghan nationals are ongoing.

Expulsion of Afghan Refugees from Punjab

Pakistani authorities have reported that 140,468 undocumented Afghan refugees have been identified and expelled from Punjab so far. This operation is part of a nationwide campaign aimed at repatriating foreign nationals without valid documentation.

Overall Statistics on Refugee Expulsion

According to provided statistics, the total number of Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan has now reached approximately 2.68 million. This figure includes individuals who have been recently identified and returned to their home country as part of ongoing operations.

Refugee Holding Centers

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

Role of the Punjab Home Department

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

Transfer to Taliban Officials

Upon completion of the registration process, undocumented Afghans will be handed over to Taliban officials at the Torkham border crossing. This measure is intended to prevent illegal residency in Pakistan.