KARACHI:
Pakistan is home to millions of refugees from neighbouring countries. Of them, some are living here illegally and even have acquired CNICs and other documents through malicious means — a fact confirmed by the interior ministry as well. Pakistan is already facing a myriad of challenges, and illegal settlers have further compounded its woes. Besides this, their access to relevant documents will help them purchase property and get jobs. As a result, many locals will be deprived of their legitimate right to earn a livelihood. Furthermore, many of these refugees are also involved in violence in urban cities, especially in Karachi, according to a minister of the Sindh government.
Our authorities should keep a vigil on illegal immigrants and their activities. The incumbent government needs to initiate a programme whereby these migrants are legally included into the overall system or send them back to their respective countries.
Abdul Hafeez Jatoi
Hyderabad
Published in The Express Tribune, April 6th, 2021.
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