As the deadline loomed for the departure of “aliens,” the caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti declared on Tuesday that the government would initiate a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, encompassing a substantial number of Afghan nationals, commencing on Thursday (November 2).
Bugti emphasized the importance of the looming deadline, stating that the cut-off date for voluntary returns would conclude on Wednesday. In a video-recorded statement, he outlined that a comprehensive and gradual operation would commence from November 2 onward, clarifying that the government’s focus was on individuals who were deemed completely illegal and not on deporting refugees.
The interior ministry estimates that Pakistan hosts over 4 million Afghan migrants and refugees, with approximately 1.7 million of them lacking proper documentation. This number includes individuals born in Pakistan who have spent their entire lives in the country.
Earlier this month, Islamabad made it known that it expected all undocumented immigrants to leave by November 1, citing instances of Afghan nationals’ involvement in criminal activities, smuggling, and a significant proportion of this year’s 24 reported suicide bombings. The government further alleged that militants were utilizing Afghan territory to train fighters and orchestrate attacks within Pakistan.
The decision to expel these individuals has led to a further deterioration in the already strained relations between the neighboring South Asian countries. Bugti emphasized that those departing voluntarily would receive assistance from the government at temporary centers established for this purpose. The centers would provide food and health facilities for a short period to facilitate the processing of these immigrants, predominantly Afghan nationals, many of whom have resided in Pakistan for an extended duration.
The influx of Afghan refugees into Pakistan has been notable since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979, with a significant number seeking shelter from the enduring conflicts and turmoil in Afghanistan. While many are registered as refugees with both the Pakistani government and relevant U.N. agencies, their status has come under scrutiny in recent times.
