The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved changes in the rules and regulations to facilitate the Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, who neither have any legal proof of entry nor processing fee, and want to leave for a third country.
The cabinet meeting was presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar.
Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, while addressing a news conference along with the health and IT (information technology) ministers after the cabinet meeting, said according to the new rules and regulations, the Afghan nationals, who have to evacuate to a third country and do not have any legal documents or processing fees, would be fined $400 for overstaying in Pakistan instead of $800.
The deadline for stay of such Afghan nationals in Pakistan had also been extended from December 31, 2023 to February 29, 2024, he said, adding the fine, after the due date, would be imposed at the rate of $100 per month with a maximum limit of $800.
He said the measures were aimed at encouraging the Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan to obtain legal documents or finalise evacuation agreements as soon as possible in a third country.
Solangi said the cabinet also approved the first “National Space Policy”, under which international companies would be allowed to provide services to customers through Low Orbit Communication Satellite in Pakistan.
He said the policy would not only attract foreign investment but also save valuable foreign exchange.
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Under the policy, not only a “Space Regulatory Regime” was being implemented in Pakistan in line with modern international requirements, but funds for research and development had also been arranged in SPARCO, the minister added.
The minister said the cabinet approved the decisions made in the meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on November 23, except the one regarding the increase in the prices of medicines.
The cabinet also issued directives to review the entire system of drugs pricing and regulations to find a comprehensive solution to the problem in the future.
He said the forum directed the Ministry of Health to give a briefing in the next meeting about amendments in the existing drug policy, which included a detailed review of the regulatory and administrative issues of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).
The cabinet also approved the decisions taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases (CCLC) on December 6. The decisions included the establishment of National Cybercrime Investigation Agency for the prevention, prosecution and adjudication of cybercrimes, as well as a Telecom Tribunal.
The gave it approval for the decisions taken in the meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) on November 22, Solangi added.
The minister ruled out any change, amendment or extension in the polls date announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). “No extension, amendment or change in the election date given by the Election Commission is on the agenda,” Murtaza Solangi said.
With additional input from APP
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