Illegal foreigners a threat to security: COAS

Gen Asim backs interim govt’s decision taken in best interest of Pakistan

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on Thursday said illegal foreigners residing in the country were "seriously affecting Pakistan’s security and economy" as he backed the interim government's decision to deport them.

The remarks were passed by the army chief during a visit to Peshawar, where he was given a detailed briefing on the overall security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, repatriation of Illegal foreigners and socio-economic developments in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

"Decision to repatriate them has been taken by the government in the interest of Pakistan. Illegal foreigners are being repatriated to their countries in a humane and dignified manner as per the established norms," a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted Gen Asim as saying.

Read Army ‘fully prepared’ to defend motherland against any threat: COAS

During his visit to Peshawar, the COAS also interacted with officers and soldiers of the armed forces who displayed "gallantry actions during different counter-terrorism operations".

Lauding their bravery and heroic acts, the army chief said that the nation took pride and acknowledged the accomplishments of the armed forces.

 

"Pakistan is destined to succeed and Pakistan Army will continue to undertake its selfless and sacred duty of safeguarding every inch of the motherland till the last drop of blood."

The military's media wing said Gen Asim also held an interactive session with the participants of the first National Workshop Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

During the session, he said that the support from the people of K-P to the armed forces had resulted in stability in the province and the initiation of projects for better socioeconomic development.

Linking prosperity of Pakistan with K-P, the COAS emphasised that nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of Pakistan were being foiled through a synergetic and comprehensive strategy, the ISPR said.

On arrival, Gen Asim was received by the commander of Peshawar Corps.

All foreign nationals living illegally in the country, including millions of Afghans, were given until Nov 1 to leave voluntarily or face deportation.

Read: Deportation of illegals challenged in LHC

The measures, including the introduction of the “one document regime” for Afghanistan, were part of a raft of measures approved by the civil and military leadership to deal with rising terrorist incidents.

The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) meeting, presided over by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, was held to discuss the prevailing security situation.

The high-level huddle was attended by Gen Asim, cabinet ministers, and other senior security officials.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of a surge in terrorist attacks and continued tensions with Afghanistan over its refusal to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Although the government did not mention any country by name, it was evident that the move was aimed at hundreds and thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan illegally.

According to official estimates, as many as 1.1 million Afghans had been residing in the country illegally. Neither had they any documents nor any other legal means to stay in the country.