Pakistani PM: I am responsible to my own people, not illegal aliens

Amid ongoing criticism of Pakistan’s expulsion of Afghan refugees, the country’s caretaker prime minister said on Friday that he is responsible to his own people, not illegal aliens.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that Pakistan is not a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention but has registered the refugees based on an agreement with the UNHCR.

He emphasised that undocumented refugees in Pakistan can return to the country after obtaining a visa.

Kakar said that Pakistan has repeatedly told illegal foreigners that the country is facing social, political, criminal and terrorism challenges and that it can no longer tolerate them.

Meanwhile, head of Pakistan’s National Migration Organization Abdullah Mubini said in a conference in Geneva that in addition to returning refugees, the international community should also focus on the prevention of new displacements of Afghan nationals.

He said that Afghanistan has always been a source of migration to other countries due to the interference of foreign countries and economic, security and social problems over the last few decades.

Mubini emphasised that this issue requires the formation of an inclusive government to improve the political, security, economic, social and cultural situation, especially creating job opportunities and improving the conditions for education and employment of women and girls.