Pakistan Sets Up “Holding Centers” and Plans to Deport Illegal Immigrants, Including 1.7 Million Afghans, October 31
Islamabad, Pakistan – The government of Pakistan has recently established “holding centers” across the country and finalized a plan to deport illegal immigrants the October 31 deadline. This plan includes the deportation of an estimated 1.7 million Afghan nationals who are residing in Pakistan without proper documentation.
Earlier this month, Pakistan issued an ultimatum to all undocumented immigrants, including Afghan nationals, to leave the country the deadline or face imprisonment and deportation. While the government emphasized that the announcement applied to all illegal immigrants, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti specifically blamed Afghan nationals during a press conference. According to Bugti, 14 out of the 24 suicide bombings in Pakistan this year were carried out illegal Afghan nationals.
Bugti urged all illegal immigrants to voluntarily return to their countries, stating that the government has finalized a plan for their repatriation. As the deadline approaches, Bugti declared that no compromise will be made and that centers have been established in various cities to accommodate illegal immigrants. Those who voluntarily leave Pakistan will be provided with assistance.
The decision to expel all illegal immigrants was made during an apex committee meeting, led Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and attended Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, among others. The committee also decided to enforce passport and visa requirements for movement across the border. Additionally, electronic Afghan identity cards (e-tazkiras) will only be accepted until October 31.
Bugti revealed that “holding centers” have been established in different provinces and regions, including Islamabad, Pakistan-Occupied Jammu, Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These centers will provide medical facilities and food for the illegal immigrants. Bugti assured that women, children, and the elderly will be treated with respect throughout the process.
In terms of implementation, Bugti announced that the state has conducted geo-fencing and identified areas where illegal immigrants are residing. A strict crackdown against illegal immigrants, including Afghan nationals, will be initiated, leading to their arrest and expulsion to their respective countries.
Bugti stated that there are approximately 4.2 million Afghan people residing in Pakistan, with around 3 million living illegally without any legal documents. It is worth noting that Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for the past four decades, with millions fleeing Afghanistan during the Soviet occupation from 1979-1989.
Following the October 5 announcement and subsequent criticism, Pakistan’s Foreign Office clarified that the decision to deport illegal residents does not exclusively target Afghan refugees. The policy is aimed at all immigrants residing in the country unlawfully without valid visa documents. The safe repatriation of Afghan refugees remains a separate issue and the national policy towards them has not changed.
The outlawed Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, often claims responsibility for attacks on Pakistani security forces. Pakistan has consistently urged Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to cease their support for the TTP.