ISLAMABAD: The federal government of Pakistan has directed all immigrants residing illegally in the country to leave Pakistan before October 31, 2023, otherwise, all law enforcement agencies would deport them to their respective countries.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul Haq Kakar chaired a meeting of the National Apex Committee on Tuesday, attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, cabinet members, and officials. The committee took several important decisions regarding the state security and welfare of the people.
Briefing media after the Apex Committee meeting, Federal Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the Apex Committee decided that the federal and provincial Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) would take necessary steps to arrest and deport all immigrants living illegally in the country.
From October 10, 2023, all transit through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border will be carried out by the Computerized National Identity Cards (E- Tazkira) while from November 1, 2023, the transit will be only allowed on passport and visa.
The committee decided that all other kinds of documents for travel across the border would be deemed illegal, it was announced in the meeting.
The committee decided to start seizing the businesses and properties of those residing illegally in the country from 1 November 2023.
All those people and companies who provide residence or other facilities to illegal immigrants will be dealt with as per law, the committee agreed.
A task force has been established under the interior ministry comprising of LEAs and intelligence officials. The task force is aimed to seize the properties of those having fake NICs and documents.
Government Directs NADRA to Cancel Fake CNICs
The government also directed NADRA to immediately ensure the cancellation of all fake NICs and conduct DNA tests of the citizens having dubious identities.
People can report about illegal immigrants and their businesses on the web portal and UAN helpline and their identity will be completely protected by the authorities.
The government has also decided to continue strict action against smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, and Hawala Hundi and the people involved in these illegal activities will be meted out strictly, the committee informed.
To check the smuggling, joint check posts have been set up in different areas vested with customs powers. These check-posts are checking the transportation of basic commodities while using the latest technology tools.
In another major development, the government has decided to establish the National Counter Narcotics Control Center to ensure drug smuggling. Drug rehabilitation centers will be also established in all four provinces
The participants agreed that as only the state has the power and authority to use force, therefore no one would be allowed to have an armed group, organization, or faction.
#Live: Caretaker Minister for Interior @PakSarfrazbugti addressing a news conference in Islamabad https://t.co/oVA6DuPU95
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) October 3, 2023
