QUETTA: Balochistan Caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai on Friday rejected criticism of the government’s treatment of Afghans and illegal immigrants, saying that no Afghan refugee is being forcibly deported from Pakistan.
Addressing a press conference in Quetta, Achakzai said that action is only being taken against those foreigners who are living in the country without valid documents.
Pakistan’s Hospitality for Afghan Refugees
Achakzai asserted that Pakistan has been hosting more than 1.7 million refugees for many years and will continue to do so in the future.
Moreover, he announced that a crackdown is underway against those who make fake identity cards, and more than 40,000 fake IDs have been blocked in Quetta so far.
He said that the Caretaker PM and Chief Minister of Balochistan have directed concerned officials to ensure that no guest’s self-esteem is hurt during the crackdown.
He also announced that NADRA has blocked over 1 lakh ID cards so far during the crackdown. Over 20,000 people have volunteered to leave Pakistan from the Chaman Border.
The minister termed the issuance of a health card in Balochistan as a major milestone. He said that the health card is a gift to the people of Balochistan from the government. Under the health card, every person can receive treatment from any hospital up to 1 million rupees.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Quetta Hamza Shafaqat said that all facilities have been provided in the holding center in Quetta.
He said that immigrants coming from Sindh and Punjab will be kept in the centers before being sent back to their home countries from the Chaman Border.
The commissioner also announced that the goods seized by Customs in the province will be sold in Sunday markets. These goods include blankets, oil, sugar, and other items.
The Balochistan government’s crackdown on fake IDs and illegal immigrants is a necessary step to ensure the security and well-being of all residents of the province. The government’s commitment to treating all immigrants with dignity and respect is also commendable.
