PM Shehbaz directs coordinated efforts for swift repatriation of Afghan nationals 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed provincial administrations and all federal and provincial institutions to act in unison to expedite the return of Afghan nationals residing unlawfully in Pakistan.

Presiding over a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday, he emphasized that the process of repatriation must be carried out with respect and compassion, particularly towards elderly individuals, women, children, and members of minority communities.

PM Shehbaz called upon the provincial governments to extend their full support in ensuring the orderly return of Afghan refugees.

“The brave people of Pakistan, who sacrificed their loved ones in the war against terrorism, are now asking how long the government will continue to bear the burden of Afghan refugees,” the premier said.

He pointed out that Pakistan has stood beside Afghanistan through decades of crises, even as it suffered immense human and financial losses in the war against terror.

The prime minister voiced concern over the continued terrorist attacks on Pakistan originating from Afghan soil and the reported involvement of Afghan citizens in such incidents.

He said that the deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Defense Minister, and other senior officials have visited Kabul multiple times to press the interim Afghan government to stop the use of its territory for terrorism against Pakistan.

The premier added that Pakistan has been making strong diplomatic and political efforts to curb militant infiltration from across the border.

PM Shehbaz also condemned Afghanistan’s recent attack on Pakistan and its apparent facilitation of militant infiltration attempts.

He praised the Pakistan Army for its strong and timely response under the command of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying that the entire nation salutes the courage and professionalism of the armed forces.

He added that the army, under Field Marshal Munir’s leadership, had earlier demonstrated its capability and resolve in the face of Indian aggression, proving its readiness to defend the country at all costs.

The meeting was attended by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, a representative of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, and senior civil and military officials.

Welcoming the attendees, PM Shehbaz mentioned his telephonic conversation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi a day earlier, during which he had extended congratulations and pledged the full cooperation of the federal government.

He stressed that KP remains a vital part of the federation, and the federal government is determined to assist the province in advancing the welfare and prosperity of its people. Muzammil Aslam attended the meeting on behalf of the KP CM.

Officials briefed the meeting that approximately 1.5 million Afghan nationals had already been sent back, and it was decided that no additional extensions would be given.

The repatriation process will now be accelerated, allowing only those Afghan citizens who possess valid Pakistani visas to remain in the country.

It was further informed that the number of exit points into Afghanistan is being expanded to make the return process smoother and faster.

The meeting was told that providing accommodation or shelter to illegal Afghan residents constitutes a legal violation, and a campaign is underway to identify and take action against those involved.

The government plans to involve the public in the process to ensure compliance, and strict measures will be taken against anyone found assisting illegal residents.

Participants, including the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and the chief ministers of all provinces, praised Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives and commended the leadership PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their decisive roles.

At the conclusion of the meeting, it was unanimously agreed that all proposals and measures discussed during the meeting would be implemented without delay.