Over 35,000 deported as evacuation of illegally residing foreign nationals continues

• Deportation drive underway across Punjab, including Lahore, says police spokesperson

• Among deportees: 13,728 men, 7,048 women and 14,366 children

• Over 10,000 residence proof holders and 11,131 Afghan Citizen Card holders deported

• 163 illegally residing individuals currently placed at holding points

 LAHORE: The evacuation process of illegally residing foreign nationals across Punjab is underway, with the Punjab Police reporting that more than 35,000 illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, have so far been deported from across the province, including Lahore. Meanwhile, 163 illegally residing individuals are currently present at different holding points, officials said on Friday.

Providing details, the Punjab Police spokesperson said the deported individuals include 13,728 men, 7,048 women, and 14,366 children. Of those deported, 10,898 were residence proof holders, 11,131 were Afghan Citizen Card holders, while 13,113 were illegally residing foreign nationals.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem said security across the province remains on high alert and that the deportation of all illegally residing individuals is being carried out in line with the government policy and applicable international legal frameworks.

He said Punjab Police is implementing the deportation policy of illegally residing persons in a structured and lawful manner.

Security heightened at mosques, imambargahs and key locations

Meanwhile, security remained on high alert across Punjab, including Lahore, on the occasion of Jummatul Mubarak. The Punjab Inspector General of Police issued directives to further enhance security at mosques, imambargahs, shrines, markets, business centers and other sensitive locations.

In line with the instructions, effective patrolling was ensured around mosques, imambargahs, commercial hubs and major highways across the province.

Punjab IGP Abdul Kareem said maintaining law and order and protecting the lives, property and belongings of citizens remains the top priority of the Punjab Police. He said all District Police Officers and senior officials remained present in the field and personally supervised security arrangements.

He further said that, in accordance with the IG’s directives, police officers also interacted with citizens after Friday prayers at mosques, listened to their concerns and took immediate on-the-spot measures for resolution where required.