TEHRAN: Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Taliban’s lack of concern regarding the issue of the influx of refugees into Iran due to recent flooding. He emphasized the necessity of repatriating undocumented Afghan immigrants who are currently in the country.
Vahidi stressed the importance of effectively managing the status and activities of Afghan immigrants within Iran during a conversation with journalists following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Additionally, he highlighted the need to prevent the development of an irrational fear of Afghans, noting that every nation has its share of criminals, including some among the Afghan population. He further mentioned that Iran has detained thousands of illegal immigrants for various reasons.
The minister disclosed that Iran has deported approximately 200,000 undocumented Afghan citizens, although a significant number of them have returned to Iran illegally.
Army Chief General Asim Munir Stresses Safety and Security of Pakistanis
Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has emphasized the importance of the safety and security of Pakistanis, stating that it cannot be compromised as the deadline for the eviction of illegal refugees in the country approaches.
In a press release shared by Inter-Services Public Relations, General Munir said, “Safety and security of each Pakistani is of paramount importance which cannot be allowed to be compromised at any cost.” His comments were made in the context of repatriation and deportation of illegal foreigners, with Pakistan setting a November 1 deadline for their removal.
Meanwhile, caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that the government has established “holding centers,” which are temporary camps, to accommodate any illegal refugees who remain in the country after the deadline.
General Munir made these remarks while addressing participants of the National Security Workshop – 25 at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. Officials briefed the 25 participants on regional and internal security dynamics and the national security environment. This annual event at the National Defence University includes representatives from various segments of society, with 98 participants attending, including parliamentarians, senior civil and armed forces officers, and civil society representatives.
The army chief emphasized the role of the intelligentsia and civil society in countering a “hostile propaganda onslaught” being launched against state institutions through soft means. He also discussed various measures taken to curb illegal activities, including smuggling, power theft, drug trafficking, border control efforts, and the repatriation of illegal foreigners. General Munir highlighted the positive economic impact of various steps, particularly the Special Investment Facilitation Cell.
