The Punjab government has initiated a major crackdown on Afghan nationals living or working in the province without proper documentation. The campaign now includes a cash reward to encourage public participation.
Authorities stated the operation targets Afghans residing in Punjab illegally, running businesses without licenses, or using forged Pakistani identity cards (CNICs). Landlords and shopkeepers renting properties to undocumented Afghan residents are also being monitored.
Officials warned that Afghans conducting business on tourist or medical visas will face legal action. To promote citizen cooperation, the government announced a reward of Rs. 10,000 for each verified tip about illegal Afghan residents or unauthorized business operations.
The Punjab police confirmed that the identity of informants will remain confidential. Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to pay the reward immediately to individuals whose reports lead to enforcement action. Residents have been urged to support the operation and report credible information promptly.
Recent figures show a sharp increase in arrests of Afghan nationals across Pakistan. Arrests have risen by nearly 150 percent since early November. In the past few days, authorities detained 7,764 Afghans, with the highest numbers reported in Chaghi, Attock, and Quetta.
During the same period, 37,448 Afghan nationals were deported from Pakistan. Of these, 47 percent held Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, while 44 percent had no documents at all. Overall, 93 percent of deportees were living in the country illegally.
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The Punjab government’s initiative is part of a broader effort to maintain law and order and ensure legal compliance across the province. Authorities emphasize that public cooperation is vital to the campaign’s success. This approach combines law enforcement with community involvement to address illegal residency and illegal business practices effectively.
