LAHORE:
The Punjab home secretary and inspector general of police have ordered acceleration of the evacuation from the province of all illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens,
Chairing a meeting, the officers said the police and district administrations should pursue a coordinated strategy to ensure immediate evacuation of all illegal foreign nationals from Punjab.
They said strict legal action would also be taken against those who provide shelter, employment or business facilities to illegal residents.
It was ordered that illegal residents be shifted to holding points and security arrangements remain on high alert during their temporary stay.
The home secretary directed the commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure appropriate arrangements for transport, accommodation, and food for the holding facilities.
The IG said intelligence-based information and data from the Special Branch, CTD, and other security agencies should be fully utilised in the evacuation of illegal residents.
He also ordered that the checking and identification process be made more effective in accordance with mapping, scanning, and screening of illegal foreign nationals. He directed all commissioners, DCs and regional and district police officers to maintain effective coordination with relevant institutions during the evacuation campaign.
A spokesperson for Punjab Police shared that with the assistance of the district administrations, more than 32,730 illegal foreign nationals had been deported during the past 11 months, while 346 illegal residents were present at various holding points.
