Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Pakistan to Repatriate Over a Million Afghan Nationals

Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Pakistan to Repatriate Over a Million Afghan Nationals

Decision to Repatriate Afghan Nationals

The interim government of Pakistan has taken a significant decision to repatriate approximately 1.1 million Afghan nationals who are residing in the country illegally. This decision is a part of a crackdown on terrorism, currency smuggling, and the illicit trade of commodities such as sugar and fertilizer. The plan has been approved by the federal cabinet and is set to be executed in three phases.

The Plan of Action

The process of repatriation will be carried out systematically in three phases. The initial phase targets those Afghan nationals who are living in Pakistan without valid documentation and those who have failed to renew their visas. The third phase of the plan will focus on the repatriation of those Afghan nationals holding proof of residence cards.

The Role of the Interior Ministry

The Ministry of Interior, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, is playing a crucial role in the formulation of this comprehensive plan. Notably, the Afghan government is also involved in this process to ensure a seamless and humane repatriation process. Pakistan had witnessed an influx of about 0.4 million refugees following the United States’ withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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Citywide Operation Against Illegal Immigrants

Recently, the Karachi police conducted a citywide operation against illegal immigrants. During this operation, they arrested around 293 Afghan nationals for staying in the city without valid travel documents. These arrests were made during multiple raids carried out from September 9 to 12, resulting in the detention of 253 illegal Afghan immigrants. The police units involved in these operations belonged to several districts, including Quaidabad, Shah Latif, Malir City, Sukhan, Korangi, Kemari, Gulshan Iqbal, Shahrah Faisal, Sohrab Goth, among others.

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Strengthening Measures Against Illegal Activities

The repatriation plan is a part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen measures against illegal immigrants and activities. These efforts are necessary to maintain the law and order situation in the country and to curb illegal activities such as smuggling and terrorism. The decision to repatriate Afghan nationals is expected to have a significant impact on these efforts, leading to a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Pakistan.

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