The caretaker government on Tuesday announced November 1 as a deadline for illegal immigrants residing in the country to voluntarily return to their home countries.
It was announced by Caretaker Minister for Interior Sarfaraz Bugti while addressing a news conference after the national apex committee meeting.
The decision was also endorsed by Interim Minister for Information and Broadcasting who issued a single-line statement in a post on the X formerly Twitter.
“All illegal Immigrants have 28 days to leave Pakistan,” Solangi said.
However, the interior minister during the presser said if illegal immigrants did not comply, all law enforcement agencies across states would initiate deportations.
Bugti emphasized that the safety and well-being of Pakistani citizens took precedence over any international policy.
The decision, made during a meeting of the apex committee on the National Action Plan, received unanimous support from stakeholders.
The interior minister clarified that the same deadline applied for entry into Pakistan without valid passports or visas. After November 1, entry without proper documentation would not be allowed, aligning with global immigration norms.
Bugti disclosed that there were currently 1.73 million unregistered illegal Afghans in Pakistan. To enforce the policy, a task force within the interior ministry had been created, set to launch operations targeting illegal properties and businesses owned or operated jointly by illegal immigrants and Pakistanis. Severe penalties awaited Pakistani citizens found facilitating these activities.
In addition to crackdowns on illegal immigration, the government would implement stringent measures against smuggling, hoarding, illicit money transfers, power theft, and narcotics trade.
A universal helpline number and a web portal were being established, allowing anonymous informants to report illegal ID cards, immigrants, smuggling, and other illegal practices.
Bugti also announced a reward scheme for informants providing credible information.
This decision follows the Pakistani government’s crackdown on Afghan refugees, citing illegal immigration and rising crime as key reasons.
The recent arrests of Afghan refugees have sparked controversy, with officials claiming the operations target only those without legal status. At least 700 Afghans have been arrested in Karachi alone since early September, according to police figures.
The government’s move comes amid concerns about security, evidenced by 24 suicide attacks since January, 14 of which were perpetrated by Afghan nationals. The Pakistani Foreign Office is engaging with Afghan authorities to address these security challenges.
Bugti urged strengthening counter-terrorism departments, emphasizing Pakistan’s capacity to combat terrorism and restore law and order in the nation.
