Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti urged illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan to voluntarily return to their respective countries, stating that the government had finalized a plan for repatriating such individuals.
With only a few days left until the government’s October 31 deadline for illegal immigrants to leave Pakistan, Bugti clarified that the repatriation initiative targeted all undocumented residents, regardless of their nationality. He emphasized that the movement across the border would strictly require passports and visas, with electronic Afghan identity cards (e-tazkiras) accepted until October 31.
Despite criticisms from various quarters, including concerns over the targeting of Afghan refugees, Bugti clarified during a press conference in Islamabad that the deportation drive was aimed at all individuals residing illegally in the country.
Assuring dignified treatment for vulnerable groups, Bugti stated that special provisions, including medical facilities and food, would be made available to women, children, and the elderly. He emphasized that the government had established “holding centers” across different provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan to facilitate the repatriation process.
Bugti reiterated that individuals without valid travel documents or papers would be the focus of the repatriation efforts. He confirmed that these individuals would not be incarcerated but would be relocated to their respective countries from the established holding centers.
Regarding the monetary limits for repatriating immigrants, Bugti announced that individuals would be allowed to carry local currency equivalent to Rs50,000, with any funds exceeding this amount required to be transferred through proper banking channels. He warned of strict action against any Pakistanis found aiding illegal immigrants.
Additionally, Bugti emphasized the government’s knowledge of the areas where illegal immigrants were residing, stating that the state had conducted geo-fencing to identify their locations.
Bugti acknowledged that the repatriation plan posed significant challenges but assured its implementation post the November 1 deadline. He appealed once again to illegal immigrants to voluntarily return to their countries to avoid any harsh actions.
To ensure effective communication, Bugti revealed plans to establish a hotline and an information center at the interior ministry to report illegal immigrants, emphasizing that no mistreatment of foreign nationals would be tolerated.
In response to international reactions, including concerns from Afghan authorities and the Taliban, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani defended the government’s stance, asserting that the initiative was in line with international norms, emphasizing the need to regulate undocumented immigrants regardless of their ethnicity or nationality.
