Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, chairing the sixth consecutive meeting on law and order, has ordered registration of criminal cases against individuals renting out property to illegal Afghan nationals and other undocumented foreigners in the province.

The meeting decided that patwaris, numberdars, and Station House Officers (SHOs) will be held responsible for reporting any property rented to such individuals.

Daily reports on rented properties, including houses, shops, factories, hotels, and petrol pumps, have been sought from all districts.

It was further directed that announcements be made in mosques to help identify illegal Afghan residents.

A province-wide field survey will also be conducted to locate and document foreigners residing in Punjab without valid visas or residence permits.

The chief minister ordered strict legal action against foreigners working on visit visas or staying illegally, as well as against employers hiring them.

Officials briefed the meeting that five FIRs have already been registered in Khanewal for renting out properties to illegal Afghan residents.

According to the briefing, 45 holding centres have been established across Punjab to accommodate Afghan nationals, with arrangements for food and transport to the Torkham border.

Facial recognition technology is also being used to identify undocumented Afghans.

The meeting was also informed about ongoing action against illegal weapons and extremist social media activists.

Officials said necessary legal procedures had been completed to de-seal religious seminaries across the province.

Maryam Nawaz directed officials to compile accurate data of Afghan residents in Punjab, stressing that “culprits must be held accountable, but no innocent person should be targeted.”