ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, the Foreign Office confirmed that they will maintain the unaltered plan for repatriating illegal immigrants residing in the country, and the deadline established for all illegal aliens to depart will not receive an extension.
“The government’s stance is crystal clear. The deadline for the voluntary return of illegal foreign nationals to their respective home countries is October 31st, and starting from November 1st, the implementation of the repatriation plan will adhere to Pakistani laws,” stated FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during a weekly briefing.
In response to a query, she confirmed that a briefing session had taken place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP).
She went on to explain key aspects of the briefing, noting that the government had announced the plan on September 26 to repatriate all illegal and undocumented foreigners, including those who have overstayed their visas, with effect from November 1.
“Every country has similar regulations to manage the movement of foreign nationals. The repatriation of illegal foreigners is purely an administrative and legal matter and will be conducted in accordance with Pakistan’s existing laws.”
The FO spokesperson emphasized that all foreign nationals who are legally residing and registered in Pakistan are exempt from this plan.
“The government is fully committed to the comprehensive implementation of the IFRP in a systematic and phased manner. An extensive institutional framework has been established to address any instances of harassment or mistreatment during the plan’s execution,” she added.
Ms. Baloch highlighted that this mechanism includes the establishment of helplines at both the federal and provincial levels for reporting any incidents requiring immediate resolution. Additionally, a high-level coordination committee has been formed within the Ministry of Interior to oversee the implementation of the IFRP.
In response to another question, she expressed Pakistan’s appreciation for the joint communique released after the OIC Executive Committee Meeting on Palestine.
This meeting reflects the consensus among OIC countries and, among other demands, it calls for an immediate halt to hostilities, the lifting of the blockade, and the creation of humanitarian corridors for the people of Gaza.
Regarding the proposal of a guarantor mechanism to resolve the conflict between Palestinians and Israel, she stated, “Pakistan welcomes all initiatives that can contribute to our ultimate goal of an immediate ceasefire, lifting of the blockade, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.”
“The initiatives put forth by Turkey and other nations aimed at achieving peace are worthy of discussion and consideration. We also hope that a consensus will be reached that can contribute to the ultimate objective of peace that we all desire.”
Ms. Baloch concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dialogue with all nations and its history of never initiating hostilities against any country.
