Punjab Announces Rs10,000 Reward for Reporting Undocumented Afghan Residents

The Punjab government has launched a full-scale operation against Afghan nationals residing or working in the province without legal documentation. In this regard, the government has offered a cash reward of Rs10,000 to citizens providing verified information regarding undocumented Afghan nationals residing in their areas.

According to officials, the campaign targets those Afghans who are staying in the province without valid papers, with forged Pakistani identity cards (CNICs), or who are doing business on tourist and medical visas. The new reward system is designed to strengthen the operation and encourage public cooperation.

Landlords and Business Owners Also Under Scrutiny

Authorities confirmed that undocumented individuals are not the only ones facing the action. Landlords and property agents who allow Afghan nationals to rent space without proper legal status will be penalized as well. The provincial government is working to put an end to the growing issue of illegal residence and business operations by implementing strict verification measures.

Reward Scheme to Encourage Public Participation

The Punjab Police informed that a reward scheme has now been put on paper to make the operation more efficient. The prizes of Rs10,000 each on verified information about undocumented Afghan nationals have been announced, and police have been instructed to deliver the prize immediately.

The Inspector General of Punjab Police has ordered all SHOs to ensure that the reward is given without delay. The police have also promised full confidentiality for any person who provides information, adding that public cooperation is a key to the successful drive.

Sharp Increase in Arrests and Deportations

According to recent statistics, Afghan nationals are being detained at an unprecedented rate across the country. The arrest rate has increased by 150 percent since early November, detaining as many as 7,764 individuals across different regions, including Chaghi, Attock, and Quetta.

In the same period, 37,448 Afghans voluntarily returned home or were deported by the authorities. According to the officials:

• 47% were holders of Proof of Registration cards.

• 44% had no documentation whatsoever

• 93% of those deported were residing without legal status.

These figures reflect both the heightened activity on the part of the government to manage undocumented migration and the enforcement of laws on the books.

Public Urged to Help Authorities

Punjab police have appealed to citizens to actively assist the ongoing operation. Officials said that every viable piece of information is being acted upon, and people are assured that their identities are kept strictly confidential.

The crackdown reflects the determination of the provincial government to address the problem of illegal residency, border management, and due enforcement of immigration laws.