Pakistan Designates ‘Safe Zones’ In Major Cities, Restricts Undocumented Migrants | World News
Pakistan, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree and Haripur declared as “safe zones”, banned undocumented immigrants, tightened visa sanctions, and forbidden SIM export and property procedures for those who do not have legal status.
According to Khaama Press, the decision was given during a meeting held in the capital development authority attended by the Ministry of Interior, National Database and Registration Authority, Federal Investigation Agency and Anti -Terrorist Police officials.
“These cities are classified as protected areas. Only foreigners with a valid visa will be allowed to remain.” He said. Authorities warned that violations will face strict security actions.
In the report, a common database was developed to monitor foreign inhabitants and access to more than one government agencies. Furthermore, non -valid visas will not be given SIM cards and real estate procedures containing undocumented immigrants will be prohibited.
Khaama Press said in recent months that Pakistan has intensified its pressure on immigrants, especially the Afghans, and thousands of people have been detained and many have been deported. International organizations expressed their concerns about the human consequences of these measures and called on Islamabad to respect human rights while implementing migration policies.
Official sources told Dawn, in line with this pressure, more than 30,000 Afghan citizens, who lived illegally in the Quetta Department, were sent back to Afghanistan in a shorter month. The Pakistan government set a deadline on July 31 to return to all illegal Afghans living in Pakistan to their country. After the deadline, many refugees followed, while an important number remained and the authorities asked them to initiate legal proceedings against those who ignored the order.
Dawn added that joint teams including police, border corps, FIA and regional administration were established to take action against the Afghans without document. On Tuesday, a meeting under the chairmanship of Quetta Department commissioner Shahzeb Khan Kakar, reviewed the ongoing pressure on the illegal Afghans in the state. The meeting attended the meeting, Deputy Commissioner for Quetta, retired captain Meharullah Badini, Deputy Commissioner Kaleemullah and Police, FIA, NADRA, Private Branch, PTA, Home Department and other relevant agencies. According to Dawn, Qila Abdullah and Pishin commissioners and Pishin’s SP were online.
Authorities reported that the coordination between the agencies was strengthened to accelerate the operation against illegal Afghans. The commissioner instructed the teams to carry out daily operations targeting the Afghans undocumented and to collect the records of all illegal residents’ bank accounts and mobile SIMs. Dawn emphasized the importance of incorporating local elderly and community leaders to ensure peaceful progress of the return process.
In addition, during the operation, he decided that women and children should be paid special attention, and according to Dawn, he called on all departments to design an effective strategy to send all illegal Afghans back to Afghanistan.
