The Pakistani government has chosen to proceed with its contentious initiative to remove all undocumented immigrants, which includes approximately 1.7 million Afghan refugees, from the country by the deadline of October 31. This decision has been defended as adhering to international norms, as reported by the media.
In the midst of this development, law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to crack down on individuals labeled as 'illegal aliens.' Over the past week, a significant number of families have been observed crossing the border into Afghanistan.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, in an interview conducted on the fringes of a forum in Tibet with Hong Kong's Phoenix TV, asserted that no nation permits illegal residents to remain within its borders. This decision, he clarified, aligns with established international practices.
Pakistan's directive to require illegal immigrants to depart by October 31, under the threat of forcible expulsion beginning November 1, has elicited criticism. Organizations such as UNHCR and Amnesty International, along with the Taliban government in Kabul, have expressed reservations about this course of action.
Jilani emphasized the historical practice of individuals seeking refuge in Pakistan during times of trouble. However, he noted that this situation has persisted for over four decades, and Pakistan's government has consequently arrived at this decision, particularly in light of the improved stability in Afghanistan.
The caretaker foreign minister revealed that Pakistan has engaged in prolonged discussions with Afghanistan regarding the migrant issue, calling upon international humanitarian agencies to support this process.
In a separate statement, caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi urged all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Punjab to depart voluntarily. He emphasized that provincial authorities have gathered preliminary data on foreign residents. He sternly warned that any foreigner discovered residing illegally within the province would not be permitted to stay and emphasized the importance of voluntary departure for illegal immigrants. He cautioned that if this advice is disregarded, a comprehensive crackdown would be initiated. However, the caretaker Punjab Chief Minister assured that this process would not entail mistreatment.
The expulsion plan is anticipated to be executed in phases, according to Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, as reported by Dawn.
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