Rawalpindi: The Punjab government’s sustained operation targeting undocumented Afghan nationals in the Rawalpindi region has resulted in the detention and subsequent deportation of thousands of individuals, police sources confirmed here Thursday.
The crackdown, encompassing various vicinities of the district, has led to the apprehension of 4,341 Afghans residing illegally so far. The breakup of those detained is 2,448 men, 827 women, 1,066 children.
According to police sources, 4,287 Afghan nationals have already been deported from the district. This group included 2,318 men, 815 women, and 1,054 children. In addition to the Rawalpindi campaign, police in District Murree also detained 72 Afghans found to be residing illegally. This group consisted of 53 men, 3 women, and 16 children. All 72 individuals were deported back to Afghanistan following the completion of legal formalities.
Currently, 35 Afghan nationals remain at the Rawalpindi holding center where investigations are ongoing. Police officials stated that the group includes 11 men, 12 women, and 12 children.
Police officials also stressed that the process of repatriating Afghan citizens from the both districts is continuing rapidly under the Punjab government's directives. Furthermore, authorities are taking action against individuals who are found to be illegally providing shelter to Afghans residing without valid documentation. This measure is part of the broader effort to enforce immigration regulations across the province.