joint team, comprising the district administration and police, is sweeping through marketplaces and specific localities in Lahore to identify unregistered Afghan residents.

The operation has visibly altered the city’s commercial landscape. A trader in the Auriga Market, who introduced himself only as “Khan” for fear of reprisal, notes the dramatic change: “Afghans had their own small businesses in markets like Auriga and New Auriga. All of them have disappeared. They either returned to Afghanistan or went underground.”

Khan says the Afghans often operated extended stalls in front of main shops, selling items like cut fabric pieces. “While most have left the city over the past three years, some of them who have valid documents are still around. However, they have gone into hiding.”

In the 1980s and ‘90s, Afghan children scavenging for recycling or working odd jobs like polishing shoes were a common sight. Over time, many established themselves in the city, some becoming successful traders. Now, however, many face eviction as the final phase of government’s campaign to deport all Afghans without valid visas gains momentum.

According to a Punjab Police handout, more than 21,900 foreigners, including Afghans, have been deported from Lahore and other parts of the Punjab so far. Additionally, 423 people are being kept at holding points pending removal.

A spokesperson........

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