ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has revealed that the plan to expel illegal aliens has been completed and they will be shifted to centers in respective provinces, upon completion of the November 1 deadline.
Addressing a news conference, Interim Interior MInister said that illegal foreigners’ families, children and women, will be treated with utmost respect. “It is final and there will be no compromise on the issue of return of foreigners,” he clarified.
Sarfaraz Bugti said after November 1, the arrested persons will be kept in the centers. He also announced that returnees could carry a maximum of Rs50,000 with them. “Punishment will also be given to those who make fake CNCs,” he said.
Sarfraz Bugti said illegal properties will also be confiscated of illegal foreigners including illegal Afghan refugees and announced action will also be taken against Pakistanis who provide facilities to illegal.
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.
Airbus-330 chartered aircraft will be operated for the evacuation of Afghan refugees
Specially chartered flights will reach Islamabad from the UK, whose ground handling will be done by the national airline. Over 2,000 Afghan refugees will be evacuated through 12 special chartered flights.
Airbus 330 aircraft will operate from Islamabad once a week.
The evacuation operation will continue till December.
According to diplomatic sources, Britain is only providing flights to Afghans who are part of the resettlement scheme including in the scheme and cleared Afghani for travel.
The British High Commission clarified spokesman that Britain is only providing flights to Afghans who are part of the resettlement scheme.
“Seats are reserved on designated flights for Afghans participating in the scheme and cleared for travel,” the spokesperson added.
“Afghans who are not part of the resettlement scheme should not travel to Islamabad Airport,” he added.
Meanwhile, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has asked for help from citizens to identify illegal foreigners.
A toll-free number has been issued for the citizens. The KP government urged citizens to perform their duty and identify illegal foreigners in their respective areas.
“It is not possible for foreigners residing illegally,” the provincial government said.
It is pertinent to note that the voluntary withdrawal deadline has been set for 31 October 2023 and the government has announced a crackdown and action against aliens from November 1st.
Read more: President Arif Alvi calls for level playing field for all
