Balochistan to expel illegal Afghan residents

Caretaker Information Minister says primary motive is to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests

QUETTA:

In a resolute move, the Balochistan government has taken a decisive step to repatriate all Afghan nationals who are residing in the province illegally. This action underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding national interests and maintaining internal stability.

Jan Achakzai, Balochistan’s Information Minister, expressed his strong disagreement with the statement made by Afghanistan’s interim Defense Minister, Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob, on Thursday evening.

This decision follows the consensus reached by an apex committee in Islamabad to address the issue of illegal immigrants from Afghanistan. The government has set November 1st as the final deadline for these individuals to leave Pakistan, as emphasized by Minister Achakzai.

Balochistan’s response is driven by concerns over alleged interference by Mullah Yaqoob, the Defense Minister of the Afghan interim government, who sought support from religious and political leaders in Pakistan.

The caretaker Information Minister clarified that the primary motive behind this decision is to safeguard Pakistan’s national interests and ensure stability within its borders. With a focus on the security and well-being of its citizens, the provincial government has taken this bold step to address the matter expeditiously.

Jan Achakzai emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to executing this process in a humane and respectful manner. The government will collaborate closely with relevant authorities to facilitate the safe return of Afghan refugees to their homeland. This approach reflects Pakistan’s dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved, the minister concluded.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 6^th, 2023.