Shocking Crackdown: Punjab Police Deport Over 15,000 Illegal Immigrants Amidst Intensified Operations

Government's Stern Directive on Illegal Immigrants

The Punjab caretaker government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, has taken a firm stance against illegal immigration. Following the expiration of the voluntary return deadline on November 1, 2023, the government initiated a comprehensive crackdown on illegal foreign residents, predominantly Afghan nationals. This operation has led to the repatriation of 15,533 individuals to date. ​

Punjab Police's Coordinated Efforts

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr. Usman Anwar has been at the forefront of this initiative, orchestrating a series of operations aimed at identifying and deporting illegal immigrants. In a recent high-level meeting at the Central Police Office, Dr. Anwar emphasized the importance of accelerating the evacuation process through enhanced coordination with the Special Branch, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), security agencies, and intelligence sources. 

Dr. Anwar underscored the necessity of respecting human rights during these operations, stating that any violations would not be tolerated. He directed all Regional Police Officers (RPOs), City Police Officers (CPOs), and District Police Officers (DPOs) to expedite the deportation process while ensuring the dignity and rights of the individuals involved are upheld. 

Establishment of Holding Centers

To facilitate the orderly deportation of illegal immigrants, the Punjab government has established 49 holding centers across the province. These centers are strategically located in districts such as Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan. The holding centers serve as temporary accommodations where individuals undergo verification processes before repatriation. ​

Unregistered Children Also Subject to Deportation

In a move that has garnered significant attention, the Punjab Police have announced plans to categorize unregistered children of immigrants in the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) as illegal immigrants, making them subject to mandatory deportation. Dr. Anwar instructed field officers to expedite the removal of all illegal immigrants, regardless of their official status, and emphasized the need for vigilance to prevent evasion attempts by individuals moving between districts. ​

Public Cooperation and Reporting

The Punjab Police have called upon citizens to assist in this initiative by reporting the presence of illegal immigrants in their surroundings. Dr. Anwar highlighted that the police have a comprehensive database and intelligence reports on the presence of illegal immigrants, and public cooperation is vital to the success of the operation.

Upholding Human Rights During Deportation

The IGP has reiterated that all teams involved in the evacuation process must ensure the observance of human rights. He stated that any violations would not be tolerated and that the process should be conducted in a peaceful and respectful manner. This commitment to human rights aims to balance the enforcement of immigration laws with the dignity and respect of individuals.

Future Implications and Government's Stance

The Punjab government's crackdown on illegal immigrants reflects a broader national policy aimed at regulating foreign residency and ensuring national security. The establishment of holding centers and the coordinated efforts of various law enforcement agencies indicate a structured approach to addressing this issue. The government's firm stance serves as a clear message to all undocumented residents about the importance of legal compliance.

FAQs

1. What prompted the Punjab government's crackdown on illegal immigrants?

The crackdown was initiated following the expiration of the voluntary return deadline on November 1, 2023, as part of efforts to regulate foreign residency and enhance national security.​

2. How many illegal immigrants have been deported so far?

As of November 18, 2023, over 15,000 illegal foreign immigrants have been deported from Punjab province. ​

3. What measures are in place to ensure human rights during deportation?

The Punjab Police have emphasized that all deportation processes must respect human rights, with strict instructions against any violations. ​

4. Are unregistered children of immigrants also subject to deportation?

Yes, unregistered children of immigrants are categorized as illegal immigrants and are subject to mandatory deportation. ​

5. How can citizens assist in this initiative?

Citizens are encouraged to report the presence of illegal immigrants in their surroundings to the Punjab Police to aid in the deportation process. ​

6. What are holding centers, and what is their purpose?

Holding centers are temporary accommodations established to house illegal immigrants during the verification process before their deportation. ​

7. Which districts have established holding centers?

Holding centers have been set up in districts including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan.