The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has initiated the comprehensive registration of all explosive licenses within the province, considering the prevailing law and order situation.
A new digitized registration system, as per the Home and Tribal Affair Department’s notification, has been introduced for this purpose.
License holders are mandated to register on the track and trace software by October 9.
Failure to comply will result in the cancellation of EL-4 licenses.
Strict penalties, including heavy fines and imprisonment, await those involved in the illegal sale and purchase of explosives commonly used in rock blasting.
This decision aims to closely monitor the use of explosives in the mining sector, especially due to reports linking dynamite to property attacks carried out by extortionists.
It’s worth noting that all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Pakistan, including millions of Afghans, have been given until November 1 to voluntarily leave or face deportation, due to their alleged involvement in terrorism.
These measures, including the introduction of a ‘one document regime’ for Afghan nationals, were part of a broader set of actions approved by Pakistan’s civil and military leadership to address the escalating terrorist incidents.
The National Action Plan (NAP) apex committee meeting, chaired by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, was convened to discuss the current security situation.
The meeting, attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, cabinet ministers, and senior security officials, took place amid a surge in terrorist attacks and ongoing tensions with Afghanistan over its alleged failure to act against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Pakistan, through these measures, sends a clear message to the interim Afghan government that “business as usual” will no longer be tolerated.
The interior minister, in a briefing after the meeting, announced the federal government’s decision to deport all illegal foreign nationals from Pakistan starting November 1.
These individuals, estimated at 1.1 million Afghans, have been residing in the country without proper documentation or legal status.
The minister emphasized that after November 1, not only will illegal nationals be deported, but their properties and businesses will also be confiscated.
Furthermore, strict legal action will be taken against any Pakistani citizens involved in illegal businesses and property acquisition through illegal foreign nationals.
All state law-enforcement agencies will be mobilized to ensure the implementation of these measures.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2023.
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