Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that illegal immigrants in Pakistan, including Afghan nationals, must leave the country by the November 1 deportation deadline. Bugti emphasized that the state would show “no compromise” in taking action against those who do not comply.
Bugti revealed that discussions were held regarding the expulsion of Afghan refugees, involving all relevant stakeholders. During these discussions, it was decided to provide a grace period for those affected by this policy. Some individuals expressed their willingness to return voluntarily, further complicating the situation.
The interim government’s decision to order the deportation of illegal immigrants was triggered by the revelation that 14 out of 24 suicide bombings in the country this year were carried out by Afghan nationals. Bugti clarified that the policy applies to all illegal immigrants without the required documentation, regardless of their nationality.
Bugti assured that individuals with valid visas and the necessary documentation would not face any difficulties. The primary objective is to expel illegal immigrants who do not comply with the country’s immigration regulations.
Following the government’s announcement of the deportation deadline, thousands of Afghan nationals have already begun leaving Pakistan, citing economic conditions as a driving factor in their decision.
This move is closely associated with the escalating violence in the country, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. It also reflects the growing tension between the Pakistani government and the Taliban administration in Kabul, according to experts and officials.
The United Nations (UN) has also weighed in on the matter, advocating for the voluntary exit of refugees from Pakistan and urging against exerting pressure on them.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet Union’s invasion in 1979. According to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), approximately 1.33 million registered refugees hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, and 840,000 possess Afghan citizenship cards.
