LAHORE: Pakistan’s Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Monday said that the federal government’s repatriation policy was not centric to only illegal Afghan immigrants in Pakistan but encompassed all those undocumented foreigners residing illegally in the country.
During a special session with students at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deport all illegal immigrants and foreigners from Pakistani soil as the deadline for the repatriation process, set for October 31, draws nearer. He clarified that this policy is not limited to undocumented Afghan nationals but applies to all illegal foreigners residing in the country.
The prime minister emphasized that Pakistan, despite not being a signatory to the Geneva Convention, had hosted over four million Afghan refugees for the past 40 years. However, the ongoing policy targets more than one million undocumented foreigners residing in Pakistan illegally.
He stated that these illegal immigrants and foreigners were encouraged to return to their native countries, but if they chose to return to Pakistan with legal documents and valid visas, there would be no restrictions imposed. Addressing concerns about vulnerable groups, especially repatriated women and children, Prime Minister Kakar assured that the interior ministry had been directed to ensure their dignity and safety during the deportation process.
Responding to questions regarding security concerns, the prime minister acknowledged the involvement of certain groups, highlighting a specific incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where a suicide bomber was identified as an Afghan national through DNA tests. He clarified that the government’s duty was to protect its citizens while emphasizing that not all Afghans were associated with illegal activities.
Upcoming General Elections in Pakistan
Regarding the upcoming general elections in the country, Prime Minister Kakar clarified the role of the caretaker government, stating that it would support the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) by providing necessary finances and security to facilitate a smooth electoral process.
PM Kakar pointed out that the delay in Punjab and KP polls did not fall within the caretaker government’s jurisdiction, referencing Article 254 of the Constitution, which stipulates that such delays do not render acts invalid or unconstitutional.
The caretaker prime minister assured the students that the government would fulfill its constitutional duty and assist the ECP to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections in the country.
