Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a province-wide crackdown on Afghan nationals living illegally, sending a strong warning to property owners and local authorities.
During a high-level law and order meeting, she directed officials to use mosque announcements to help identify Afghan residents staying without legal status. The order also applies to anyone renting out property to foreigners, including homes, shops, factories, hotels, and petrol pumps—violators will face immediate legal action.
Patwaris, numberdars, and police officials have been tasked with reporting all such rentals, with daily compliance reports now mandatory.
Authorities confirmed that facial recognition systems are being used to detect illegal Afghan residents. In Khanewal alone, five cases have already been registered, while 45 holding centers have been established across Punjab to accommodate and later send undocumented individuals back to Torkham, with food and shelter provided.
Maryam Nawaz also emphasized that Afghan nationals working unlawfully in Pakistan will face strict action, reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy throughout the province.
In recent crackdown, Police Roundup: 17 Afghan Nationals Held In Islamabad
