The Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) has instructed authorities not to harass or detain registered Afghan refugees who possess registration documentation.
‘Afghan migrants registered in Pakistan: A notification released by the ministry has instructed the relevant departments and agencies to forgo taking any action against registered Afghan refugees who possess valid proof of registration (PoR).
The ministry’s announcement states that all parties and provincial governments have already received instructions. These instructions allow Afghan refugees with valid proof of registration and an Afghan Citizen Card to reside temporarily in Pakistan and can only be deport voluntarily.
It went on to say that harassing officially registered Afghan refugees will harm Pakistan’s reputation.
It’s important to note that the interim administration had set a deadline of November 1 for illegal immigrants and residents to leave the country or face the risk of deportation.
However, Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti established an anti-illegal immigration task group.
The interior minister continued to explain that the assets of illegal immigrants would be seized. He also mentioned that a website portal is currently under development to report any illicit smuggling activity.