Repatriation process hits the slow lane

Over 345,000 refugees deported to Afghanistan thus far

LANDI KOTAL/ QUETTA:

The repatriation of illegal Afghans has significantly slowed, with over 345,000 individuals sent back through Torkham Border in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Chaman Border in Balochistan. Official and unofficial estimates suggest around 1.7 million illegal immigrants, primarily Afghans, reside in the country.

The K-P home and tribal affairs department report repatriating 225,795 individuals via Torkham Crossing. Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced the repatriation of 120,000 Afghan refugees from the province, emphasizing a crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, the minister briefed the media about the ongoing crackdown against the illegal immigrants across the province.

Achakzai stated that over 2,000 illegal immigrants were detained and handed over to Afghan authorities. Regarding blocked CNICs, NADRA blocked 200,000 suspected cards, with investigations underway.

Read: UN agency urges Pakistan to halt expelling Afghans during winter

The minister emphasized respect for every individual and vowed against disrespecting immigrants, highlighting the government’s commitment to repatriate all illegal immigrants without compromise.

He emphatically asserted that no police officer would be permitted to show disrespect to any undocumented immigrant. “We are committed to ensuring their repatriation with dignity,” he stated, emphasizing that stringent measures would be taken against those found harassing undocumented immigrants anywhere in Balochistan.

“This directive comes directly from the federal government, underscoring the importance of respecting every individual,” he noted. He added that the government has firmly decided, in principle, to repatriate all illegal immigrants without any compromise on this matter.

He assured an across-the-board crackdown, denying targeting specific communities. The government aims to eliminate terrorism in Balochistan and has conducted successful operations against terrorist groups.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2023.