2 weeks Ago By Imran Mukhtar
ISLAMABAD - The government of Pakistan on Friday warned action against Pakistanis facilitating stay of illegal foreigners, ruling out an extension in the April 30 deadline for Afghans awaiting relocation to third countries. “The process of deportation of illegal immigrants including Afghan citizens under the second phase is underway, while the third phase involving deportation of Afghans already approved for relocation to third countries would start after April 30,” said Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry while addressing a press conference here. Thousands of Afghans staying in Pakistan were approved for relocation to western countries after they had fled Afghanistan following Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021.
Pakistan has been urging the West and the US to expedite the process of relocation but it faced delay. The fate of those approved for relocation to the US hangs in the balance since the Trump administration seized power in January this year. In November 2023, Pakistan initiated the process to expel undocumented foreigners, affecting Afghans.
Over 900,000 individuals have been repatriated. Islamabad, Kabul discuss transit trade, Afghans repatriation Chaudhdry said a strict action would be taken against those citizens involved in facilitating illegal stay of Afghans by any means.He said those giving jobs or accommodation on rent including in hotels to illegal foreigners would be dealt with under the law.
“We have communicated clear instructions to all provinces. If anyone gives a shop, house, or any kind of space to an illegal foreigner, he will be held accountable under the law,” he said.The minister of state further said that only foreign nationals with valid legal documents were eligible to rent property, open businesses, or seek employment in Pakistan.
All dealings, in movable or immovable property, must be conducted with legally documented individuals, he added.He claimed that Pakistan was pursuing a balanced approach that includes diplomatic coordination with the Afghan government.He also referred to the reports suggesting that some of the one million weapons left behind by US forces in Afghanistan had reached in hands of terrorist groups.
Chaudhry said such weapons in the wrong hands posed a serious threat not only to Pakistan but to the entire region.He made it clear that Pakistan’s policy was not adverse against Afghans but driven by a commitment to the rule of law, public safety, and national interest. “We welcomed our Afghan brothers for 40 years with open hearts.
But no country in the world allows anyone to live without a visa and Pakistan cannot be an exception,” he said.He said Pakistani authorities were working closely with Afghan counterparts to facilitate the repatriation process. He added that the repatriation process was being conducted in a lawful and humane manner,The minister of state underlined that all facilities including boarding, health and security were being provided to Afghan nationals at the transit points.
He noted that Pakistan issued over one million visas to Afghan nationals in two years in sixteen different categories. Dar chairs high level meeting before departure to Kabul today Tags: govt warns action.
