Pakistan Issues Final Warning to Undocumented Immigrants

Pakistan’s caretaker interior minister, Sarfraz Bugti, has issued a final warning to all undocumented immigrants, including many Afghan nationals. 

They are required to leave voluntarily before the Nov. 1 deadline.

Determination to Remove Undocumented Immigrants:

Pakistan’s decision to remove all undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, comes after concerns that some were involved in criminal activities, smuggling, and attacks against the government and the army, including most of this year’s suicide bombings.

State’s Complete Data on Illegal Immigrants:

Minister Bugti stated, “All the illegal immigrants have been identified. The state has complete data.” 

He appealed for voluntary departure by the deadline but warned that law enforcement agencies would initiate operations to remove those who remain.

The government also intends to act against individuals found facilitating or hiding undocumented immigrants.

Assistance for Voluntary Departure:

The immigrants, particularly Afghans, who have resided in Pakistan for many years, will be processed at temporary centers established by the government. 

Those who leave voluntarily will receive support, including document preparation, currency exchange permissions, and transportation assistance.

Afghan Refugees in Pakistan:

Pakistan has accommodated many Afghan refugees arriving to escape war and conflicts since the Soviet invasion of Kabul in 1979. 

Many of these Afghan refugees are registered with the government and U.N. agencies.

Strained Relations with Afghanistan:

The decision to expel undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, has further strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan following recent border clashes. 

Islamabad accuses militants of using Afghan soil for training and planning attacks inside Pakistan, while Kabul views Pakistani security issues as domestic.