The caretaker government of Pakistan has unveiled its plan to deport 1.1 million illegal foreigners residing within the country’s borders. The decision, aimed at bolstering national security, was announced on Monday and outlines a phased approach to expel these undocumented residents.
The deportation process will be executed in three phases, with the initial phase targeting all illegal residents, irrespective of their nationality or origin. This sweeping action is a direct response to the perceived threat posed by these undocumented individuals to Pakistan’s security.
The subsequent phases will focus on deporting those individuals possessing Afghan citizenship and those who hold proof of residence cards. The move is seen as a proactive measure to curb illegal activities, such as funding, facilitating, and smuggling of terrorists, which are allegedly associated with a portion of these Afghan residents.
The Ministry of Interior has collaborated with various stakeholders, including the Afghan government, to formulate a comprehensive plan for the deportation process. Additionally, directives have been issued to officials to compile a detailed record of Afghans living without proper permits and to develop a transportation plan to facilitate their return to Afghanistan.
After a one-month grace period, law enforcement agencies will launch a countrywide crackdown to identify and deport the illegal immigrants, the majority of whom are believed to be of Afghan descent. The government has taken this decisive step to prevent Pakistan from becoming a sanctuary for illegal immigrants, many of whom are reportedly involved in criminal activities and smuggling operations.
Authorities have already taken action against illegal Afghan immigrants involved in illicit dollar trading, which has had adverse effects on Pakistan’s economy. Moreover, a significant number of these undocumented foreigners are operating various businesses in major cities, contributing to rising street crime, including in the federal capital, Islamabad.
Estimates suggest that approximately 1.1 million Afghan refugees are residing in Pakistan illegally. It has been reported that since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021, around 400,000 Afghans have entered Pakistan illegally, with an additional 700,000 identified as living in the country without proper documentation.
The caretaker government’s decision to address this issue underscores its commitment to maintaining national security and ensuring that Pakistan remains free from the influence of illegal immigrants involved in criminal activities and smuggling networks. The upcoming deportation process is expected to be closely monitored, with the cooperation of relevant authorities from both Pakistan and Afghanistan.
