Punjab Announces Legal Action Against Shelters and Rentals to Illegal Immigrants

Lahore: Punjab’s Caretaker Information Minister, Amir Mir, made a significant announcement regarding the fate of non-nationals and illegal immigrants residing in the province. He declared that anyone providing shelter or renting property to such individuals will face legal action after the October 31 deadline, set by Pakistan for all illegal immigrants to leave the country or face deportation.

In a press conference held in Lahore, Minister Mir disclosed that the Punjab cabinet has approved a comprehensive deportation plan for undocumented residents, outlining their return to their respective countries through designated border crossings.

To facilitate the deportation process, holding areas have been established at 36 locations across the province to temporarily detain illegal immigrants until their repatriation can be arranged.

According to Mir, a concerted effort is already underway to identify and apprehend all foreign nationals living in Pakistan without legal status. He revealed that, in Punjab alone, 33,000 such individuals have been identified and are subject to deportation.

Minister Mir issued a stern warning that there will be no leniency for those who choose not to leave voluntarily by November 1. Furthermore, he emphasized that the province has compiled comprehensive data on the whereabouts of illegal immigrants and will take action against any Pakistani nationals who assist them in remaining in the country.

Pakistan has long hosted millions of Afghan refugees who fled their homeland during the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the Taliban takeover in 2021. It is estimated that approximately 1.7 million of these individuals are living in Pakistan without legal documentation. The decision to deport them, based on allegations of involvement in criminal activities, smuggling, and attacks against the government and military, has faced criticism from human rights organizations and former U.S. diplomats.