Caretaker Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, and Parliamentary Affairs, Murtaza Solangi, asserted on Monday that foreigners, including Afghan citizens, cannot stay in Pakistan indefinitely without a visa. In an interview with a private news channel, the information minister addressed the criticism faced by Pakistan for repatriating illegal immigrants to their respective countries.
Solangi revealed that approximately 20,000 Afghans in Pakistan had previously worked with the US coalition forces. Despite the establishment of the Taliban government in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, the US and its allies have not facilitated the repatriation of these individuals to their home countries.
The caretaker minister acknowledged the global treatment of illegal immigrants, citing incidents where such individuals faced dire circumstances without intervention. Solangi praised Pakistan’s record regarding illegal residents, noting that the country’s approach was more favorable compared to other nations.
Highlighting the distinction between legal and illegal residents, Solangi emphasized that millions of Afghan citizens with legal status in Pakistan have access to essential facilities, including health, education, and business activities.
Regarding foreigners lacking proper documentation or visas, the minister stated that the government’s position was to encourage them to return to their countries. He emphasized the need for Pakistan to determine the duration for which foreigners could stay within its borders. The remarks underscore the importance of adhering to visa regulations while emphasizing the support provided to legal residents.