In a bid to tighten the noose around illegal "foreigners", the caretaker government has set November 1 as a deadline for the immigrants residing in the country unlawfully, warning that action will be taken against them after the time limit.
Addressing a press conference following an apex committee meeting on the National Action Plan (NAP) on Tuesday, Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that the huddle set November 1 as the deadline for the illegal "aliens" to leave the county voluntarily.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar chaired the high-level huddle, attended by top civil and military leadership in Islamabad.
The decision came days after a deadly suicide blast in Balochistan’s Mastung, in which over 60 people lost their lives. In most of the recent terror incidents in Pakistan, Afghan nationals or soil was reportedly used.
Speaking on the occasion, the caretaker interior minister revealed that Afghan nationals were responsible for 14 of the 24 suicide bombings in the country this year.
He warned the illegal immigrants to quit Pakistan by November 1 or face forcible expulsion.
Bugti further said all the state law enforcement agencies will be mobilised to take action against the illegal foreign nationals and they will be deported after the 1st of November.
He also announced that all illegal properties and businesses being run by these illegal nationals will also be seized after the expiry of the deadline.
Action will be taken as per the law of the land against any of the Pakistani citizens if he is also involved in illegal businesses and making huge properties by these illegal foreign nationals, he added.
The caretaker minister said a task force has also been constituted at the Interior Ministry to launch and monitor these actions. "Safety and security of the people of Pakistan is the prime responsibility and foremost priority of the government."
The taskforce will comprise officials of law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies, Bugti said, adding that it would launch a crackdown against the people having illegal Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and confiscate properties of the aliens.
“The National Database & Registration Authority (Nadra) has been directed to ensure cancellation of fake CNICs immediately.”
The interior minister also warned of strict action against those involved in amendments to Nadra’s family tree in order to confirm their nationality,
The government would utilise DNA testing to confirm the nationality of those having suspected CNICs, he added.
In addition to this, a universal helpline number and a web portal would be launched to gather information about the illegal immigrants/CNICs, smuggling and hoarding, the minister said, adding that people can share the information as anonymous informants.