The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan has unequivocally stated that the country’s position regarding the expulsion of refugees, including Afghans, is crystal clear – the deadline for their return will not be extended.
Zahra Baloch, the spokesperson for the ministry, made an unexpected announcement on Thursday, October 19th, asserting that illegal refugees in Pakistan must leave the country by October 31st.
Baloch emphasized, “The government’s stance is unequivocal. The deadline for the voluntary return of illegal foreign nationals to their countries is October 31st. Starting November 1st, the repatriation program in line with Pakistan’s laws will commence.”
The issue of expelling refugees, including 1.1 million individuals, has been extensively deliberated in various sessions at the ministry.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan clarified, “Every country has laws governing the movement of foreign nationals. Returning illegal foreign nationals is a purely administrative and legal matter, to be handled in accordance with Pakistan’s prevailing laws.”
She further stated that individuals living legally in Pakistan are exempt from the scope of this plan.
These statements follow yesterday’s call from Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy of the Taliban’s leadership, for a reconsideration of this plan during a meeting with Obaidur Rahman Nazamani.
Hanafi argued that this decision impacts the relationship between the two countries and is detrimental to both parties.
