The Interior Minister of the caretaker government of Pakistan, Sarfraz Bugti highlighted the deportation of “illegal Afghan refugees” as the November 1 deadline for Afghan nationals is reaching its end.
According to Bugti, the deportation process will begin on November 2, which will includes two to three rounds each week.
Bugti told the media that illegal foreigners with no travel documents, and those who reported themselves as Pakistani citizens, will be deported in the first phase. Afghan national card holders, people possessing POR (proof of registration cards), and refugees registered with UNHCR will be expelled in the second phase.
Bugti said that “this is not limited to Afghan citizens” and “we mention Afghanistan as unfortunately, most illegal foreigners are from there.”
The Pakistani government’s decision sparked reactions from the international community including the human rights watchdogs.
Meanwhile, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson of the Ministry of foreign affairs of Pakistan, in a statement in response to media queries said “we have seen the press statement by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.”
She claimed that the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plans (IFRP) applies to all illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan, irrespective of their nationality and country of origin.
“The government of Pakistan takes its commitments towards protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness. Pakistan will continue to work with our international partners to this end,” she added.
This comes as the Afghan refugees in Pakistan voiced concerns about their deteriorated condition.
“We should organize an open letter to send to the supreme judge, interior and refugees ministers of Pakistan, so we can meet them,” said Sial Mohammad Wisal, a member of the Afghan refugees council.
“Amid this cold season of winter, the Afghan refugees going to Afghanistan don’t have any shelter to live in,” said Mujahid Khan Shinwari, an Afghan refugee.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that they have full preparation to provide essential health and food facilities for the Afghan refugees who are returning from Pakistan.
“Those who don’t have a caretaker in their families, the Islamic Emirate will provide them with assistance within its capacity. They will be helped in transport, having access to essential materials and food,” he said.
Pakistan has ignored consecutive calls of the international human rights organizations and world countries to ease its policies on the Afghan refugees.
