Decision to deport illegal immigrants to be implemented: Jan Achakzai

Illegal immigrants will have to leave country till Oct 31, Amir Mir,

QUETTA/LAhore_:Balochistan Minister for Information said that the state would implement its decision to deport 1.3 million illegal immigrants with full force and no one would be allowed to enter Pakistan without valid visa.

Addressing a press conference, he said that action would be taken against those who had rented out their properties and provided shelter to illegal immigrants. Jan Achackzai ruled out the news to review the decision taken for the repatriation of undocumented immigrants and said that after the deadline, all relevant institutions will work to deport the unregistered immigrants.

He said that a control center would be established, in which officials of institutions concerns would be present. The government will set up detention centers in Haji Camp Quetta, Chaman and Pishin to accommodate foreign nationals residing in the country without identity documents before deportation to their respective countries, he said and added that the illegal immigrants would be kept at these centres with respect and provided with meals and medical facilities.

He said a part from Chaman, crossing points are being opened in Killa Saifullah and Chagai to report illegal immigrants to Afghanistan.He warned the local people to vacate their properties from illegal foreigners and action will be taken against the owner of the house in which illegal occupants were found.

Jan Achakzai said that the Balochistan government would ensure security to the convoys of illegal foreigners coming from Sindh, Punjab to deport via Chaman border. The minister said Saturday is fixed for illegal foreigners coming from Punjab while Monday, Wednesday, Friday has been fixed for those coming from Sindh.

He said some political elements are unsuccessfully trying to make the repatriation of illegal immigrants an issue for their political gains.He added that every state had the right to take action against illegal immigrants.

While,

Punjab Information Minister Amir Mir said on Friday that the illegal immigrants will have to leave the country until October 31.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Mir said: “Strict action will be taken against the illegal immigrants from November 1. Every country in the world deports illegal immigrants.’’

‘’Even in Pakistan, the international laws have been applicable. In the first phase, action will be taken against those who have no documents,” said Amir Mir.

Illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan are continuing their exodus from the country as the government’s October 31 deadline approaches.

Thousands of Afghans are returning to their homeland through the Torkham and Chaman borders daily. The process has been highly efficient, with a significant departure recorded on October 26 when a total of 4,709 Afghan citizens left for their country.

Among these returning citizens, there were 1,104 men, 952 women, and 2,653 children, reflecting the diverse demographics of the repatriating population. Notably, 246 families were repatriated in 153 vehicles to Afghanistan on that particular day, highlighting the continuous nature of the process.

Overall, Pakistan has succeeded in repatriating a substantial number of Afghan refugees, with a total of 76,928 individuals having returned to their homeland so far. This ongoing effort underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting its Afghan neighbors and maintaining stability within its own borders.