“Mass Deportation Sparks Controversy: Pakistan’s Expulsion of ‘Illegal Immigrants’ Including Afghans

The Pakistani government recently announced that it will be taking drastic measures to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the country. This includes the mass deportation of up to 1 million illegal immigrants, including Afghan nationals. The Pakistani government is not only targeting illegal immigrants from Afghanistan, but also individuals from Iran, Bangladesh, India, and other neighboring countries. According to the statement issued by the government, the deportations are being conducted in an effort to reduce the economic burden on the nation and to ensure that the country’s resources are used more responsibly. The government is also planning to introduce stricter measures to prevent illegal immigration and to make the process of legal immigration more efficient. For instance, the government has demanded that all foreign nationals that wish to stay in the country should have to undergo a health checkup and also submit an assessment of criminal record, if any. The government has also warned that anyone found to be living in Pakistan illegally could face a fine of up to Rs 200,000 or a maximum punishment of two years in prison. This announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming the move as necessary to protect the country’s economic resources and others condemning it as an “inhumane act”. The Pakistani government has yet to announce when the mass deportation will begin, but it is estimated that it could take place as early as next month. This is sure to have a major impact on the already fragile economic situation and social fabric of the country, particularly for those Afghans that had no other option but to seek refuge in Pakistan.