LAHORE:
The Punjab Home Secretary and Inspector General of Police have ordered to expedite the evacuation of all illegal foreigners, including Afghan nationals, from the province.
Chairing a meeting, the officers said the police and district administrations should follow a coordinated strategy to ensure immediate evacuation of all illegal foreigners from Punjab.
They said strict legal action would also be taken against those providing shelter, employment or business facilities to illegal residents.
It was ordered that illegal residents be moved to holding points and that security measures remain on high alert during their temporary stay.
The Home Minister directed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure adequate transportation, accommodation and food arrangements for detention facilities.
The IG said intelligence-based information and data from the Special Branch, CTD and other security agencies should be fully utilized in evacuation of illegal residents.
He also ordered that the verification and identification process be made more effective in accordance with the mapping, scanning and control of illegal aliens. He directed all commissioners, DCs and regional and district police officers to maintain effective coordination with relevant institutions during the evacuation campaign.
A Punjab Police spokesperson informed that with the help of district administrations, more than 32,730 illegal foreigners had been deported during the last 11 months, while 346 illegal residents were present at various detention points.
