Punjab deports over 35,700 illegal foreign nationals as repatriation drive continues

• Punjab Police says 35,719 foreigners, including Afghans, deported from across the province

• 72 illegally residing individuals remain at designated holding centres as IGP says repatriation being carried out in line with international laws

 LAHORE: Punjab Police have deported 35,719 illegally residing foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, from across the province under the ongoing repatriation drive, while 72 individuals are currently being held at designated holding centres as authorities continue implementing the government's policy in line with international laws.

Providing details, a Punjab Police spokesperson said those deported included more than 14,000 men, 7,138 women and 14,529 children. Among them, 11,047 possessed Proof of Residence (PoR) documents, 11,135 were Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, while 13,537 were illegally residing foreign nationals.

Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem said security remained on high alert across the province and that the repatriation of all illegally residing individuals was being ensured. He added that Punjab Police was implementing the government's policy on the repatriation of illegally residing foreign nationals in accordance with international laws.

IG meets police personnel, families

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Kareem met police personnel and their family members at the Central Police Office, where he heard their grievances and directed the relevant officers to provide immediate relief.

According to details, on the transfer request of ASI Muhammad Iqbal Kaleem, the IG directed the Additional IG Training to place the matter under consideration. On Junior Clerk Hameed Butt's request for official accommodation, the AIG Development was directed to provide relief. On Constable Muhammad Arshad's transfer request, necessary directions were issued to the RPO Dera Ghazi Khan.

On an application submitted by the wife of martyred Constable Muhammad Arshad seeking payment of her son's salary and outstanding dues, the IG directed the CCPO Lahore to place the matter under consideration.

IG Punjab Abdul Kareem also issued directions on other applications relating to discipline, administration, promotions and welfare matters.