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LAHORE, Oct 28 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired the sixth consecutive meeting on law and order, where the provincial government decided to register FIRs against all individuals renting or leasing property to illegal foreign nationals, including Afghans residing unlawfully in Punjab.
Under the new directives, authorities have been instructed to submit daily reports on all properties, such as houses, shops, factories, hotels, and petrol pumps, rented to Afghans or other foreign nationals. The government also ordered mosque announcements across the province to help identify illegal residents, while Patwaris, Numberdars, and SHOs will be responsible for verifying and reporting such cases.
It was decided that a comprehensive field survey will be carried out across all districts to collect updated data on illegal foreign residents. The meeting also approved legal action against individuals entering Pakistan on visit visas or without authorization and engaging in economic activities unlawfully. The provincial government sought detailed reports on ‘benami’ and suspicious properties, warning that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found renting or leasing property to illegal residents.
Officials informed the meeting that five FIRs have already been registered in Khanewal against individuals who rented properties to illegal Afghan residents. It was further briefed that facial recognition technology is being utilized to identify illegal residents, while 45 holding centers have been established to provide accommodation, meals, and transport to the Torkham border.
The meeting was also informed that a province-wide crackdown on illegal weapons is underway, with citizens assisting law enforcement agencies. Social media activists promoting extremist groups are under investigation, and religious seminaries (madaris) are being de-sealed after proper verification.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed all departments concerned to compile accurate data of Afghan residents in Punjab, stressing that responsible individuals must be held accountable while ensuring no innocent person is wrongfully targeted or harassed.