LAHORE: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has clarified the government’s stance on the status of registered Afghan refugees, ensuring that they are not facing deportation. However, he emphasized that individuals residing in Pakistan without proper documentation must return to their home country, obtain a valid visa, and then re-enter Pakistan.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, the caretaker prime minister stressed the government’s approach of providing illegal residents with a reasonable timeframe to voluntarily return to their country. During this period, the government refrained from interfering in their daily lives and business activities, underlining the responsibility to act in accordance with the law. Kakar reinforced the importance of individuals going through the proper visa application process when returning to Pakistan.
Moreover, Prime Minister Kakar made it clear that registered Afghan refugees are not being repatriated. Instead, illegal residents have been granted a grace period to facilitate their return. He highlighted that no nation in the world tolerates the presence of undocumented individuals within its borders, and entry into Pakistan is open to foreign citizens who hold a valid visa.
Today marks the final day for illegal residents to leave Pakistan voluntarily, as a nationwide operation to address this issue will commence tomorrow.
The prime minister also touched upon the procedures for the delimitation of constituencies, emphasizing his eagerness to exercise his voting rights.
Furthermore, Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar explained that a reduction in petrol prices and a comprehensive crackdown on smuggling have contributed to the stability of the national currency. This has resulted in decreased food prices, and measures to curb smuggling in the Afghan transit trade have allowed factories to resume their operations.
Shifting his focus to international matters, the prime minister expressed deep concern about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where he stated that humanity is being gravely humiliated. During a recent visit to China, he engaged in discussions with world leaders regarding the situation in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing crisis.
In response to a question from the media, the caretaker prime minister confirmed that the federal government intends to file an appeal regarding the military court matter.
Finally, Prime Minister Kakar disclosed that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is scheduled to visit on the 2nd of the month, and the government has established its targets in preparation for the upcoming discussions.
These statements by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar shed light on critical issues and the government’s stance on various matters of national and international significance.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
