Bugti warns locals against sheltering undocumented immigrants
Pakistan
Bugti warns locals against sheltering undocumented immigrants
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti issued a stern warning to locals on Monday, cautioning them against providing shelter to undocumented immigrants, including Afghans, after the designated deadline.
Speaking at a press conference following a federal cabinet meeting, the minister made it clear that any Pakistani national found renting their property to illegal immigrants would be deemed an accomplice and subject to severe consequences.
He emphasised that individuals should promptly report the presence of illegal immigrants to the government. He reiterated that the October 31 deadline for all undocumented immigrants to leave Pakistan would not be extended.
The minister explained that, following the deadline, all illegal foreign nationals, including Afghan citizens, would be relocated to nearby holding centres established at the borders.
Bugti also highlighted that the government had set October 31 as the deadline for undocumented foreigners to depart the country. During this period, support and facilities were made available to those who voluntarily returned to their home countries, he added.
Bugti stated, "There are only a few hours left. Those who do not leave Pakistan by the specified time and lack a valid visa and passport will face deportation."
Bugti dispelled the notion that only Afghan people were being expelled, emphasising Pakistan's longstanding history of hosting a significant number of Afghan refugees over the past 40 years.
The minister assured that the repatriation process took into consideration the respect for women and elders, with children being treated compassionately. He noted that approximately 200,000 illegal immigrants had returned to their countries in the past two months.
Bugti also encouraged illegal immigrants to return to their home countries, obtain the necessary legal documents and subsequently return with proper visas for business or personal visits.
