The Pakistan administration has taken a firm stance to send back 1.1 million unauthorized Afghan residents from Pakistan.
The resolution, rooted in concerns about terrorism, illicit money movements, and unauthorized trading in commodities like sugar and fertilizer, was greenlighted by the federal cabinet and spearheaded by the Interior Ministry.
Phases of Repatriation
The repatriation process will roll out in structured phases:
- The initial phase targets Afghans living unlawfully and those who’ve failed to extend their visas.
- The subsequent phase will focus on the general Afghan citizenry.
- The final step will involve sending back those holding proof of residence cards.
Significantly, the Interior Ministry has worked closely with all concerned parties, including the Afghan government, to shape this exhaustive plan.
Post-US Withdrawal Influx
It’s worth noting that following the US’s exit from Afghanistan, approximately 400,000 refugees sought shelter in Pakistan.
Karachi’s Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants
In related news, Karachi’s law enforcement recently initiated a clampdown on unlawful immigrants. The result? The local police detained 293 Afghan nationals lacking legitimate travel paperwork.
This operation, conducted between September 9 and 12, led to the arrest of 253 Afghan migrants. Detailed reports reveal that precincts like Quaidabad, Shah Latif, Malir City, and Sukhan had 37 detainees. Additionally, 68 were apprehended in the Korangi district, 49 in Kemari, and a separate 91 from areas such as Gulshan Iqbal, Shahrah Faisal, Sohrab Goth, and surrounding locales.
