12 Afghan nationals held in Okara

LAHORE:

Okara police detained 12 Afghan citizens living in the district without valid documents.

According to a police spokesperson, the arrests were made ove intelligence shared by the Security Branch field staff. All detained individuals were shifted to holding centres for processing under the government's deportation plan.

Authorities confirmed that during the first two phases of an operation, a total of 109 Afghan nationals had been repatriated — 68 returned voluntarily while 41 were deported.

In the third phase, 12 Afghans are currently housed in holding centres, awaiting repatriation. District Police Officer (DPO) Rashid Hidayat stated that Pakistan is implementing its deportation policy in accordance with international laws.

He added that cases involving Afghan nationals married to Pakistani citizens will be reviewed under the federal government policy. "The repatriation of all illegally residing foreigners will be ensured without exception," the DPO affirmed.