All illegal foreigners will be deported: PM Kakar

LAHORE (APP): Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar reiterated on Monday that the government’s policy and relevant laws dictate the repatriation of all illegal aliens and foreigners from Pakistan as the October 31 deadline for the process approaches.

He emphasized that this policy is not limited to illegal Afghan nationals but extends to all undocumented and illegal foreigners.

During a special session with students at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Prime Minister Kakar stated that Pakistan had hosted over 4 million Afghan refugees for 40 years under the Geneva Convention, despite not being a signatory to it.

He mentioned that over 1 million foreigners were categorized as illegal for residing in Pakistan without legal documentation. These individuals are encouraged to return to their native countries. However, if they wish to return with proper legal documentation and valid visas, there will be no restrictions, he said.

Prime Minister Kakar also addressed concerns about the dignity of repatriated women and children, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable groups. He compared Pakistan’s humanitarian efforts with the treatment of immigrant boats in the Mediterranean Sea.

Regarding terrorist incidents, he acknowledged the involvement of certain groups and referred to a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in which the suicide bomber was identified as an Afghan national through DNA tests. Prime Minister Kakar clarified that not all Afghans are terrorists, but certain groups engage in illegal activities. Protecting the lives of citizens is the government’s primary responsibility and a constitutional obligation.

Minister warns of action against those who shelter illegal immigrants

The prime minister stressed that government policies are formulated with input from various institutions and departments. He highlighted that the caretaker government is a product of a constitutional order, and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is responsible for setting election dates.

He assured the ECP of financial and security support for the election process and explained that any delay in Punjab and KP polls did not relate to the interim setup. He discussed the transitional state of democracy in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for well-defined principles and informed discourse.

Prime Minister Kakar encouraged students to engage in informed discourse, make bold decisions, and explore their beliefs. Regarding freedom of expression and rights, he mentioned the importance of unconditional loyalty to the state as outlined in Article 5 of the Constitution. He emphasized the necessity of following rules and regulations to prevent chaos in society.

He referred to incidents in the US and Pakistan, stressing the importance of accepting the legal consequences of actions through a due process. The parliament is responsible for framing laws and acts. Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the transformation occurring in the world due to the era of Artificial Intelligence.

His visit to LUMS was aimed at seeking solution-based answers to the country’s challenges, and he emphasized the role of educational institutions in contributing to solutions. In response to a question, he mentioned the economic challenges faced by the interim setup, which is implementing an IMF program in a country grappling with economic difficulties.

He expressed concern about the low tax contribution of the majority of people in Pakistan, emphasizing the need to increase tax revenues, similar to Scandinavian countries.