- The interim government will follow the instructions of the ECP, assured Sarfaraz Bugti.
- “It is our responsibility to assist the apex electoral body in the general elections.”
- The minister revealed that holding centers were set up for the expulsion of aliens.
As general elections approach, acting Interior Minister Sarfaraz Bugti has said that the interim government is in touch with all political parties as it has “no favourite”.
But I am saying geo newsSpeaking on the program “Naya Pakistan” on Sunday, the security chief said the caretaker government is also in touch with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), brushing aside the notion of favors given to Pakistan. Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
“It’s ours [caretaker government’s] Responsibility to assist Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) [in the electoral process]“He assured that the interim setup has followed the instructions given by the electoral body regarding transfer and posting of officials, bureaucrats.
“Whatever instructions the ECP gives, we will follow it,” he said.
Bugti’s comments come after the election conducting body directed the federal government to transfer the Inspector General of Police (IG) Islamabad.
“IG Islamabad is performing well […] I wish he continues working. [as federal capital’s police chief]The minister assured that the interim government will follow the instructions of the ECP regarding the transfer of IG Islamabad.
The ECP announced on 21 September that general elections in the country would be held in the last week of January 2024.
‘Holding Center’ established for expulsion of aliens
On the issue of repatriation of illegal foreigners, the security chief said the government was encouraging “voluntary return” of foreigners until the November 1 deadline after which the state would launch its campaign to expel them.
It is pertinent to note that the caretaker government, earlier this month, had directed all “aliens” – including 1.73 million Afghan nationals – to leave the country following a series of terrorist attacks in which 14 out of 24 Afghans Civilians were found responsible. Suicide bombing.
The federal minister also said that between Thursday and Friday, 15,000 to 20,000 illegal foreigners left Pakistan voluntarily.
Expressing his views on the total number of foreigners in the country, Bugti highlighted that there are more than 3 million such persons living in Pakistan which includes illegal foreigners, those with Proof of Registration (POR) and refugees.
“All provincial governments will be part of the operation […] Responding to a question regarding deportation of illegal foreigners, he said, “Committees have been formed at divisional and district levels.”
“Geo-mapping work has been completed [to locate illegal foreigners], The government will target aliens, no matter where they are.”
He also said that the expulsion of aliens would be done in phases with illegal aliens – people who have no travel historyIl documents and those who violated NADRA records by presenting themselves as Pakistani citizens – they were deported in the first phase.
Meanwhile, Afghan nationality card holders, people holding POR and refugees registered with UNHCR will be expelled in the second phase.
“Everyone [illegal foreigners] Have to go back,” he said.
Commenting on the ethnic dimension of the issue, Bugti said, “This is not limited to Afghan citizens […] We mention Afghanistan because unfortunately, that’s where most of the illegal aliens are from.”
Responding to a question related to the implementation of the government’s policy of expelling illegal foreigners, Bugti said: “Yes, there will be raids. […] We have set up holding centres. Illegal foreigners will be brought to these centers where they will be taken care of and provided food.”
“Officials have been instructed to treat women, children and the elderly with utmost respect,” he said. “Illegal aliens will be transferred to the border,” he said. [from the holding centres] In three to four weekly batches.”
