KARACHI: In response to the government’s directive to expel illegal immigrants from Pakistan, a comprehensive crackdown targeting Afghan nationals unlawfully settled in the country is now underway. The Karachi police have reported the arrest of 782 Afghan individuals between September 9 and October 3, according to a statement from the Sindh police.
The breakdown of arrests indicates that the majority, 204 illegal refugees, were apprehended in District East, followed by 135 in District Malir, 126 in Kimari, 114 in Korangi, 90 in District Central, 58 in District West, and 20 in District South. The city police, as part of the crackdown, detained an additional 35 illegal refugees. Law enforcement officials clarified that all these Afghan nationals were residing in Pakistan without proper authorization, and they have been charged under foreigners’ acts.
Furthermore, separate cases were registered against refugees found involved in criminal activities. The government has set November 1 as the deadline for illegal foreign nationals to voluntarily leave Pakistan. Interim minister Sarfaraz Bugti, in a press conference in Islamabad, emphasized, “We have given the November 1 deadline to our illegal immigrants and citizens living in Pakistan by illicit means. Until November 1, they should voluntarily return to their countries.”
To facilitate the process, immigrants are granted time until the deadline to sell their assets and organize their departure. Failure to comply will result in expulsion, with the additional consequence of property confiscation.
