Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to register criminal cases against individuals renting out properties to illegal Afghan nationals and other undocumented foreigners across the province.
Chairing a high-level meeting on law and order, the chief minister emphasized strict enforcement of regulations to identify and act against foreigners residing in Punjab without valid visas or residence permits. This marks her sixth consecutive meeting focused on internal security and governance.
Officials to Be Held Accountable for Negligence
The meeting decided that patwaris, numberdars, and Station House Officers (SHOs) would be directly responsible for reporting properties rented to undocumented individuals. Daily reports on rented properties including houses, shops, factories, hotels, and petrol pumps, have been demanded from every district.
Maryam Nawaz also instructed that public announcements be made in mosques to encourage citizens to report illegal Afghan residents.
Province-Wide Field Survey Launched
A province-wide field survey is being initiated to trace and document all foreigners residing in Punjab illegally. Authorities will verify visa statuses and residence documents to ensure compliance with the law.
The chief minister directed that all foreigners working on visit visas or overstaying illegally should face immediate legal action. Employers found hiring such individuals will also face criminal charges.
Officials informed the meeting that five First Information Reports (FIRs) had already been registered in Khanewal for renting out properties to illegal Afghan residents.
Holding Centres Established Across Punjab
To manage the relocation process, 45 holding centres have been set up across Punjab. These facilities will temporarily accommodate Afghan nationals before their transport to the Torkham border.
The centres are equipped with food, medical support, and travel arrangements. Facial recognition technology is being employed to identify undocumented Afghans and ensure accurate verification.
Broader Law and Order Measures Underway
Officials also briefed the chief minister on ongoing operations against illegal weapons and individuals spreading extremist content on social media. Legal procedures have been completed for the de-sealing of certain religious seminaries after compliance reviews.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that enforcement must be balanced with fairness, stating, “Culprits must be held accountable, but no innocent person should be targeted.”
She directed officials to compile an updated and transparent database of Afghan residents in the province to strengthen law enforcement and border management efforts.
Punjab Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Residency
The latest directives form part of a broader provincial initiative to regulate undocumented populations and strengthen internal security mechanisms. Authorities believe the crackdown will help identify those staying without authorization and ensure legal compliance across all districts.
The Punjab government’s use of digital tools, such as facial recognition and data cross-verification, is expected to enhance accuracy and reduce misuse of residential properties by unregistered foreigners.
Officials reiterated that public cooperation is essential in ensuring the success of this campaign, as local reporting remains a key source of information for identifying illegal residents.
