LAHORE: The Punjab government has launched a large-scale operation targeting Afghan nationals living or working in the province without legal status, introducing a cash reward system to encourage public reporting.
Officials said the campaign covers undocumented residents, Afghans running businesses without proper permits, and those found using forged Pakistani identity cards. Action is also being taken against individuals operating shops or enterprises while holding only tourist or medical visas.
The drive extends to property owners and shopkeepers who rent out space to Afghan citizens lacking valid documentation. Authorities said such landlords would also face legal action.
A reward of Rs10,000 has been announced for citizens who provide credible information about undocumented Afghans, with police assuring that informants’ identities will remain confidential. The Inspector General of Punjab Police has instructed all Station House Officers to release the prize money immediately after receiving verified information.
Police appealed to the public to support the effort, saying swift action would follow any authenticated tip-off.
Statistics shared with provincial authorities show a sharp rise in arrests since early November, with detentions of Afghan nationals increasing by 150 percent. Recent figures indicate 7,764 Afghans have been taken into custody, most of them from Chaghi, Attock and Quetta.
During the same period, returns and deportations surged to 37,448. Officials said 47 percent of those leaving were holders of Proof of Registration cards, 44 percent lacked all documentation and 93 percent of those deported were staying in the country illegally.
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