PA discusses illegal immigrants' eviction

On Private Members Day, Sindh Assembly on Tuesday discussed an adjournment motion by government and opposition members regarding the evacuation of illegal immigrants.

The adjournment motion was moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Heer Ismail Soho. The use of the word "Muhajir" by a PPP MPA also caused an uproar in the House.

Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, participating in the debate, noted that discussions on illegal immigrants often seem to target a specific community and area, even though these individuals are citizens of the country. He clarified that the issue of illegal immigrants is not aimed at any particular community. He emphasised the need for everyone to unite in demanding the expulsion of illegal immigrants.

Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani said that he fully supports Heer Soho's motion. The government is not against anyone, except those who cross the border and do not have any documents.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq emphasized that Pakistanis who have migrated twice should not be treated as foreigners, demanding the dignified repatriation of Biharis from Bangladesh. He insisted that immigrants without ID cards should be sent back to their home countries, highlighting the rights of those who migrated based on religion to live in Pakistan.

Tanzeela Qambrani of the PPP argued that registered refugees and illegal immigrants are a burden on Pakistan, especially Sindh, and that illegal residents should be expelled. MQM's Ejazul Haque stressed the importance of taking legal action against illegal immigrants, citing Pakistan's economic crisis and the involvement of Afghan citizens in crimes. He defended the Bihari community's contributions to Pakistan, rejecting the notion that being Bihari is an insult.

Bilqis Mukhtar of MQM supported the adjournment motion presented by Heer Soho but called for context, recalling the sacrifices made during the partition. She contrasted this with Afghan immigrants, who, according to her, have become involved in criminal activities like land and drug mafias, raising concerns about their impact on the country.

Sham Sunder Advani of PPP said that there is a need to take measures to prevent illegal immigrants. He said that it is necessary to sent back the illegal immigrants.

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Zia Lanjar said that any person belonging to any sect or region will be considered illegal if he does not legally have the citizenship of Pakistan. The Pakistani government is working on it

Heer Soho, who presented the motion, while expressing her views in the House, said that immigrants have to be registered in any country. The issue of illegal immigrants must be discussed by all, regardless of race or color. She said that some disturbing videos were circulating on social media showing illegal immigrants desecrate the national flag.

PPP MPA Marvi Rashidi pointed out that the corrupt elements in the National Data Registration Authority (NADRA) issue identity cards to illegal immigrants. During Marvi Rashidi's speech, opposition members protested against her using the word Muhajir, a term attributed to people who came from India to Pakistan at the time of the birth of the nation.

The assembly members belonging to MQM-P protested for using the word Muhajir. Marvi Rashidi explained that she had talked about illegal immigrants; no illegal person should be allowed to stay in the province. All over the world there are strict policies and laws against illegal people.

Later, the session of Sindh Assembly was adjourned till Friday afternoon.