ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced that the Pakistan government will encourage the voluntary repatriation of foreign nationals until November 1.
After that date, the state will initiate the expulsion of aliens in phases. Over the last three days, more than 20,000 illegal foreigners have voluntarily left Pakistan, according to Bugti. He stated that all provincial governments are actively involved in the operation against illegal foreigners, with committees established at divisional and district levels.
Bugti clarified that the expulsion of illegal foreign nationals will be carried out in phases, starting with people who lack travel documents. The government has completed geo-mapping to locate illegal foreign nationals and has established holding centers for them after the deadline. Basic facilities will be provided at these centers, ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected.
Regarding the upcoming elections, Bugti emphasized the caretaker government’s responsibility to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan and follow their directives.
The Pakistani Foreign Office also issued a statement asserting that the expulsion of aliens is in line with the country’s domestic laws and relevant international norms and principles. The repatriation initiative applies to all illegal foreigners in Pakistan, irrespective of their nationality or origin, but excludes legally registered foreign nationals.
The Foreign Office called upon the international community to address protracted refugee situations and prioritize sustainable solutions for repatriation. The government’s decision is not targeting any specific ethnic group, and they are urged to ensure safe, dignified, voluntary, and legally compliant returns.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) had previously expressed deep concerns about the impending deportation, stating that it could significantly impact over 1.4 million undocumented Afghans in Pakistan and potentially expose them to severe human rights violations if returned to Afghanistan.
World Bank Warns Israel-Hamas Conflict Could Cause Oil Prices To Surge To $157
Meanwhile, the report suggests that global oil prices are expected to average around $90 a barrel in the fourth quarter of this year and decrease to an average of $81 in 2023 due to a slowing global economy, leading to reduced oil demand. Nevertheless, the report emphasizes the significant risk of a substantial increase in oil prices if the ongoing Middle East conflict escalates.
It notes that, since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war, oil prices have risen by approximately 6%, whereas prices for agricultural commodities, most metals, and other commodities have seen minimal changes.
The report outlines three risk scenarios based on historical conflicts in the region, each with varying levels of disruption. In the case of a “small disruption,” which is equivalent to the reduction in oil output observed during the 2011 Libyan civil war (approximately 500,000 to 2 million barrels per day), oil prices could potentially rise to a range of $93 to $102 per barrel in the fourth quarter.
