ISLAMABAD: On Tuesday, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti issued an ultimatum, stating that all illegal immigrants in the country must depart from Pakistan by November 1. Failure to do so will result in deportation by all law enforcement agencies.
The interior minister addressed a press conference in Islamabad, briefing the media on the decisions taken during a meeting of the National Apex Committee. He emphasized that the welfare and security of Pakistani citizens take precedence over any foreign country or its policies.
The first significant decision made pertains to addressing the issue of illegal immigrants residing in Pakistan through unlawful means. A deadline of November 1 has been established for them to voluntarily return to their home countries. If they fail to do so by that date, all law enforcement agencies (LEAs) at both the federal and provincial levels will be involved in deporting them.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi separately announced that illegal immigrants now have 28 days to leave Pakistan.
The same November 1 deadline will also apply to those attempting to enter Pakistan without a valid passport or visa. Entry without these essential documents will not be permitted, and this policy aligns with international norms.
Measures against illegal immigrantions
The interior minister specified that electronic Afghan identity cards, known as e-tazkiras, will be accepted from October 10 to 31. After this period, the requirement for a valid passport and visa will be strictly enforced.
Starting from November 1, a task force within the interior ministry will launch an operation aimed at identifying and targeting properties and businesses owned by illegal immigrants or those operating in collaboration with them. Intelligence agencies and LEAs will work together to locate and seize these assets, and individuals assisting in such unlawful activities will be prosecuted according to the law.
The task force will also initiate actions to curb the use of illegal identity cards and passports, which are often utilized for illicit purposes. DNA testing will be employed to identify individuals falsely claiming Pakistani identity despite not being citizens.
Additionally, the interior minister announced the launch of a universal helpline number and a web portal for anonymous informants to report instances of illegal ID cards, illegal immigrants, and other unlawful activities such as smuggling and hoarding. Reward money will be offered under this informant scheme.
