Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued strict directives to ensure the repatriation of illegal Afghan refugees to their homeland. Under these orders, the people renting out houses or shops to Afghan nationals, or doing business with them, will face legal action. Deputy Commissioner, Rao Atif Raza stated this while talking to the media persons during their visit to the Afghan Holding Centre Attock. He said that so far, 27,000 Afghan refugees had been repatriated through the holding centre, while 17,000 others had voluntarily returned to Afghanistan. 

District Police Officer (DPO), Sardar Mavarhan Khan, ADC (R) Chaudhry Waqas Aslam Marth, ADC (G) Anil Saeed, AC Inza Abbasi, Admin Officer DC Office Sardar Zaheer Ahmed Khan, Tehsildar Attock Chaudhry Rizwan, Chief Officer Municipal Committee Attock, Sardar Aftab Ahmed Khan, other concerned officers were present on the occasion. The DC informed that a crackdown had been launched against individuals providing shelter, employment, or business partnerships to illegal Afghan refugees. 

The DPO stated that currently over 350 Afghan nationals were residing in the Holding Centre and were temporarily accommodated due to border closure. The administration was providing them with complete facilities and hospitality until their repatriation process would complete, he added. The DPO emphasized that every property and tenancy agreement would be verified, and a joint operation by the district administration, police, and law enforcement agencies was underway, adding strict legal action would be taken against anyone found involved in supporting illegal refugees.

 He clarified that only those Afghan nationals authorized by the Ministry of Interior, Government of Pakistan, were allowed to stay; all others would be deported to Afghanistan. The DPO warned property owners and businessmen not to rent out or engage in business with illegal Afghan nationals, adding that the citizens must cooperate with authorities and immediately report the presence of such refugees by calling Helpline 15. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)