Pakistan to strengthen action against illegal foreign nationals

ISLAMABAD, June 1, 2025: The government has announced plans to intensify efforts against foreign nationals living illegally in Pakistan, following the expiration of a deadline for the relocation of approximately 44,000 Afghan nationals approved for resettlement in third countries.

The decision was made during the third meeting of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and Harden the State Committee, chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday.

Earlier, the government had warned that Afghan refugees awaiting resettlement in Western nations would face deportation if host countries failed to relocate them by April 30. A significant number of Afghans entered Pakistan after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, following the withdrawal of US-led forces.

An official informed Dawn that over 1.023 million Afghans have been repatriated so far, including 135,865 in April and 65,057 in May. On May 30 alone, 1,483 individuals were sent back.

One-Document Regime and Security Measures

Interior Minister Naqvi stressed the need for federal and provincial agencies to collaborate in eliminating illegal activities that threaten national security. He emphasized full implementation of the “one-document regime” and announced that Nadra would provide live data verification at exit points.

Addressing the issue of organized begging, Naqvi called for strict action against the “beggar mafia,” proposing that begging be declared a non-bailable offense to protect the country’s image.

Crackdown on Power Theft and Encroachments

The meeting reviewed progress on anti-power theft efforts, with the Power Division reporting the recovery of Rs142 billion through cooperation with the interior ministry and provincial governments. Naqvi assured continued support to curb electricity theft.

Additionally, the committee assessed ongoing anti-encroachment operations and law-and-order measures, including over 250 daily intelligence-based operations.

Infrastructure and Digital Initiatives

Progress on the Pakistan Port Authority, the ‘Gwadar Safe City Project,’ and a proposed protection wall was discussed.

To combat fuel smuggling, authorities are digitizing petrol pumps, granting customs officers and deputy commissioners the power to seal non-compliant stations and confiscate vehicles.

Digital enforcement stations are being established along the Indus River, while an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is under development for improved highway monitoring.

Attendees

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Interior Mohammad Tallal Chaudhry, Punjab Law Minister Sohail Ahmed Bharti, KP Information Adviser Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, GB Home Minister Shamsul Haq Lone, federal and provincial secretaries, FIA Director General, Nacta officials, and senior security agency representatives.