Afghan Refugees
ISLAMABAD: The caretaker federal cabinet, in a series of decisions on Wednesday, addressed key issues and initiated policy changes. One prominent decision involved the extension of the deadline for the repatriation of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without proper documentation. The deadline, originally set for December 31, was extended to February 29, 2024. The move aims to encourage Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in Western countries under respective plans to acquire legal documents or finalize evacuation arrangements promptly.
Under the revised rules, Afghan nationals bound for a third country, lacking legal documents or processing fees, will now face a reduced fine of $400 for overstaying in Pakistan, down from the previous $800. After the extended deadline, a monthly fine of $100, capped at $800, will be imposed.
The cabinet also made noteworthy decisions in various sectors. It formulated the National Space Policy, outlining the framework for utilizing low earth orbit communication satellites. This policy facilitates private companies in offering services within Pakistan, enhancing the country’s communication capabilities through advanced satellite technology.
Additionally, the caretaker cabinet approved the establishment of the National Cybercrime Investigation Authority (NCIA), dedicated to investigating cybercrime and taking over the mandate previously held by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). A telecom tribunal was also endorsed to handle cases and disputes related to the telecom sector.
In the health sector, the national drug policy was under review, with the cabinet instructing a comprehensive review of drug pricing and regulations. The caretaker cabinet further directed the health ministry to present amendments to the existing drug policy, addressing regulatory and administrative challenges faced by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap).
The decisions signal a proactive approach by the caretaker government, addressing pressing issues in repatriation, space policy, cybersecurity, and healthcare, while also emphasizing the importance of electoral timelines and continuing discussions on data protection legislation.
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