Pakistan to Deport 1.1 Million Illegal Foreigners

Pakistan : In a bold move to address growing security concerns, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar-led caretaker government has made the decision to expel a staggering 1.1 million illegal foreigners who have been residing within the country’s borders. This decisive action comes as the government seeks to combat issues related to smuggling, terror financing, and overall national security.

The comprehensive plan for expulsion involves multiple phases. In the initial stage, individuals deemed as “illegal aliens” will be targeted, along with those who have failed to renew their visas, ensuring that all who reside within Pakistan do so legally. Subsequent phases will focus on those with Afghan citizenship and proof of residence cards, further addressing the issue at its core.

A source close to the development emphasized the critical nature of this action, stating, “Illegally resident foreigners pose a serious threat to the security of Pak.” This sentiment is reinforced by the fact that a significant number of Afghan citizens living in Pak have not renewed their proof of residence, amounting to a potential security risk.

Pakistan Illegal Foreigners Issue

The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with various stakeholders and the Afghan government, has crafted a meticulous plan to execute these deportations. Simultaneously, the ministry has issued directives to compile a comprehensive record of Afghans residing in Pakistan without permits. A transportation plan to facilitate their return to the Afghan border has also been put in motion.

Recent reports by Geo News indicated that the government intends to establish a one-month deadline for all illegal foreign immigrants, including Afghans, to vacate the country or face legal consequences. Following this ultimatum, law enforcement agencies will initiate a nationwide crackdown to identify and deport those who remain unlawfully within Pakistan’s borders.

The government’s determination to prevent Pakistan from becoming a sanctuary for illegal immigrants is unwavering. Many of these undocumented individuals are not only involved in criminal activities but are also linked to the smuggling underworld. In some cases, illegal Afghan immigrants have been apprehended for engaging in illegal dollar trading, significantly impacting the country’s economy. Additionally, an influx of illegal foreigners has been associated with a surge in street crime in cities such as Islamabad.

Currently, an estimated 1.1 million Afghan refugees are residing in Pakistan without proper documentation. Disturbingly, this number includes approximately 400,000 Afghans who entered Pakistan illegally following the resurgence of the Afghan Taliban in August 2021. An additional 700,000 Afghans have been identified as illegal residents within the country.

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