0.3m illegal Afghan refugees voluntarily left Pakistan: Sarfraz Bugti

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has said that a decision has been taken to repatriate all Afghan refugees living illegally in Pakistan.

Talking to the media, he said that a decision has been made to send all Afghans to their country. Should Afghans return to their own country, they must obtain the appropriate visa, similar to anyone obtain by others before entering Pakistan for business purposes.

“We aim to create a normal state, and the prime minister has directed dignified repatriation of illegal refugees,” he said.

Bugti emphasized the need for a systematic mechanism for this purpose, stating, “Any mishandling of the situation will be met with necessary actions. This isn’t a decision made overnight; it’s a policy put in place. We had urged for voluntary returns, and so far, 300,000 illegal Afghan residents have voluntarily left the country.

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He mentioned that the government facilitated the return of only 8,000 individuals and further elaborated, “We’ve received 569 complaints, and each one is being attended to. 80% of these grievances have been addressed, and a government-level mechanism has been devised.”

He underlined that those with identity cards should not face harassment, stating, “We should not mistreat those migrants possessing valid identity cards,” he said.

“The impression that action is being taken against Afghan immigrants is incorrect.”

The dignified repatriation of illegal foreign residents is under way, with all possible facilities being provided to those returning. Suggestions regarding the return of foreigners are being seriously considered,” the minister said.