‘We know where they are’ : Sarfraz Bugti finalizes plan for repatriation of illegal immigrants

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti has confirmed the completion of the plan to repatriate illegal immigrants in Pakistan.

With the approaching November 1 deadline, the government is set to relocate these individuals to centers within their respective provinces.

During a press conference, Minister Bugti assured that families of illegal foreigners, including women and children, would be treated with utmost respect.

He said that “holding centres” had been formed in the provinces as well as Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan where illegal immigrants will be provided medical facilities and food.

Bugti said after November 1, arrested persons will be kept in the centers. He also announced that returnees could carry a maximum of Rs50,000 with them.

He emphasized that there would be no compromise on the issue of the return of foreigners and that those found with fake Computerized National Identity Cards (CNCs) would face consequences.

Sarfraz Bugti said illegal properties of illegal foreigners including illegal Afghan refugees, will be confiscated, and announced action will also be taken against Pakistanis who provide facilities to the illegal aliens.

He further said that the state had carried out geo-fencing to identify areas where illegal immigrants were residing. “We know where they are. They are in villages, in Pakistan’s metropolitan cities, in different small cities. The government has complete know-how about where they are.”

“We are encouraging voluntary return so that they can be saved from being manhandled and arrested,” Bugti said. “I assure you that once our investigation is complete, anybody involved in this illegal work will be punished.”

The first flight of illegal Afghan refugees to Britain for resettlement will begin today (Thursday).

The first chartered flight carrying 230 Afghan refugees will depart from Islamabad to the UK.

In this regard, arrangements have been completed at Islamabad International Airport.