QUETTA: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Pakistan, Philippa Kendler, called on Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki on Tuesday to discuss the evacuation of Afghan refugees and other relevant issues.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan has extended hospitality to Afghan immigrants for a long time, but the federal government has decided to send illegal immigrants back to their home countries.
He said that the government had set a timeline for the refugees’ evacuation, which has expired, and now it has initiated action to send all illegal immigrants, including Afghan citizens, back to their home countries.
The Chief Minister asserted that no country can keep a national of another country for a long time without documents and that this action was not being taken against foreigners who have legal documents.
He said that the action was indiscriminate against all foreigners who were illegally living in Pakistan and that holding centers had been established for the convenience of people returning home.
Pakistan Dealing Afghan Immigrants with Respect
The Chief Minister added that illegal immigrants were being sent back to their home countries with honor and respect and that all provinces were bound to implement the decision to deport illegal immigrants.
He said that Balochistan is a land of peace, love, and brotherhood and that respect for laws is important for every individual.
The UNHCR representative lauded the Balochistan government’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghan immigrants and to facilitate their voluntary return to their homeland.
She also expressed her support for the government’s efforts to tackle illegal immigration.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their commitment to work jointly to ensure the safe and dignified return of Afghan immigrants to their homeland.
