Expel Afghanis
ISLAMABAD: The National Apex Committee has decided to expel foreign nationals especially Afghanis who are residing illegally in Pakistan.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, including incidents in Mastung and Hangu, prompting this decision.
The caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired the meeting that decided to expel illegal foreigners. COAS General Asim Munir, chief ministers from all four provinces, representatives from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, as well as high-ranking security officials participated in this meeting. During the meeting, security officials briefed the participants on recent terror-related events in Pakistan.
The committee was also informed about the measures being taken to combat terrorism in Pakistan and address the issue of illegal immigrants.
The participants of the meeting agreed to set a deadline for the return of foreigners residing illegally in Pakistan. Once the deadline expires, the government will confiscate their movable and immovable assets in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, army chief General Asim Munir, on a separate occasion, reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces will continue their operations against terrorists.
COAS Munir made this statement during a visit to Quetta, where he received briefings on recent terrorist attacks in Mastung and Zhob.
Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, key provincial ministers, and senior civil and military officials attended the briefing. COAS Munir expressed deep respect for the martyrs and condemned the attacks, attributing them to the “ill intent of the Khawarij, who have the backing of state sponsors of terrorism,” according to Inter-Services Public Relations.
CTD and intelligence agencies crackdown against illegal afghan nationals
Meanwhile, the Counter Terrorism Department in Islamabad, with the assistance of intelligence agencies, has initiated an operation against Afghan refugees. This operation follows the recent announcement by the federal government of a major drive to repatriate illegal refugees residing in the country.
In the first phase of the operation on Sunday, reports indicate that the authorities apprehended 800 Afghan refugees. Out of those detained, the authorities released 400 individuals after they provided their residence proof. However, 375 of the arrested individuals lacked proper identification documents. They are currently in custody and the authorities will deport them after completion of the formalities.
Sources indicate that lists were based on intelligence reports before the operation, and the lists also involve individuals with past involvement in criminal activities.
This operation will continue over the next few days and may intensify. The government’s decision to deport 1.1 million Afghan refugees living illegally in Pakistan, starting with those who have not renewed their visas, has led to increased enforcement efforts.
