Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ Pakistan, under the governance of interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti, is poised to initiate the expulsion of ‘illegal’ immigrants, a measure encompassing approximately 1.7 million undocumented Afghan nationals, starting from November 1. With an impending deadline for the departure of these immigrants, the caretaker administration is prepared to implement a phased expulsion if these individuals do not leave the country voluntarily. Bugti emphasized the government’s intent to act beyond this deadline, signaling the initiation of phased expulsions.
Pakistan announced October 31 as the designated date for the eviction of illegal immigrants. Following this, Bugti reinforced the impending operation, stating, “After November 1, the state will commence its operation to expel aliens in phases.” Reportedly, over 20,000 illegal foreigners have departed voluntarily within the last three days, an effort that saw the involvement of all provincial governments as an active part in the operation against illegal immigrants. Bugti highlighted the formation of committees at divisional and district levels for streamlined execution.
Bugti further elucidated the phased approach to expelling illegal foreign nationals, emphasizing that individuals lacking proper travel documentation will constitute the first phase of deportation. These individuals, many of whom have resided in Pakistan for an extended duration, are set to be processed at temporary government-established centers. In preparation for the impending expulsions, the government has concluded geo-mapping to pinpoint the location of illegal foreign nationals and established holding centers to accommodate them post-deadline. The Minister assured the provision of essential facilities at these centers in response to concerns regarding the safety and well-being of these individuals.
Pakistan has been a host to Afghan refugees for over four decades, stemming from the mass exodus during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from 1979 to 1989. However, the October 31 deadline aimed at illegal immigrants, particularly Afghan nationals, was met with substantial criticism. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged Pakistan to refrain from forcible returns, cautioning against the possibility of a human rights crisis. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch also clarified that the repatriation plan was applicable to all illegal foreign residents, regardless of their nationality or origin. Emphasizing compliance with domestic laws and international standards, Baloch stressed that legally registered foreign nationals in Pakistan were exempt from the expulsion plan, underscoring the nation’s commitment to upholding its obligations in sheltering vulnerable communities.
The Foreign Office spokesperson not only underscored Pakistan’s historical support for Afghan refugees but also called for international collaboration to address protracted refugee situations, stressing the urgency of advancing durable solutions. She said, “The government of Pakistan takes its commitments towards the protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness. Our record of the last forty years in hosting millions of our Afghan brothers and sisters speaks for itself”. Baloch reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to work alongside global partners for this purpose. Conversely, the Afghan government criticized Pakistan’s decision, urging a reconsideration of the expulsion plan.
