The repatriation of illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan border crossings to their countries is continued as only three days are left for the undocumented aliens to leave Pakistan. The Government of Pakistan has asked all undocumented foreign nationals, including Afghans to leave Pakistan by October 31, otherwise, law enforcement agencies will take action as per the law of the land. Meanwhile, the voluntary repatriation of Afghan families residing illegally in Pakistan is also continued.

 On October 27, as many as 5,046 Afghan nationals including 1,241 males, 1,052 women, and 2,753 children, left for their country. 153 cars were used in the repatriation process of 310 Afghan families. The repatriation is being done on a daily basis. Up until now, 81,974 Afghan refugees have been repatriated. All four provinces are taking steps to expel undocumented foreign nationals from the country. To speed up the evacuation of undocumented foreigners to Afghanistan and Iran, the Balochistan government is opening three more crossing points i.e. Qila Saifullah, Qameruddin Karez and Baracha Noor Wahab in Chagai district to help Afghan and Iranian Baloch immigrants to meet the deadline of Oct 31.

In the context of the approaching deadline, preparations for the evacuation of illegal foreigners in the province of Punjab have entered the decisive stages. All the relevant institutions are working together to perform the service. The process of scanning people in various communities and mapping of foreigners has entered the final stages of completion. Teams comprising officials from police and relevant departments seem busy checking every nook and corner of the province to locate people residing without proper documents. These teams have been provided security by Pakistan Rangers and other forces. Those people who do not have the necessary documents for residence in Pakistan are being asked to leave the country by October 31. The government has taken the necessary steps to expel these aliens.

 In the first stage, action will be taken against the illegal immigrants. The government will deal very strictly with those who have obtained fake documents. These people will be kept in ‘holding centres’ and temporary camps set up in various districts. The detainees will be treated with full respect. They will be provided residence, food, and medical facilities at these centres. There will be separate lodges for men and women.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)