Bugti declares that Afghans, residing legally face deportation if engaged in political activities.

Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti states that legally residing Afghans involved in political activities will face deportation. The caretaker government initiated a nationwide campaign in November to deport illegal foreign nationals, mostly Afghans, and despite criticism, they maintain it’s not targeting any specific ethnic group.

With over four million Afghans in Pakistan, around 1.7 million are estimated to be undocumented. Bugti announces a new policy for legal Afghan residents, emphasizing they cannot engage in political activities in Pakistan. The government has identified around 10 individuals initially, growing in number, who will be deported. This policy applies to all categories of Afghans with legal documentation, including visa holders for business or tourism.

Bugti mentions that with the approaching February 8 general elections, these individuals will be deported promptly. The ongoing deportation drive has seen over 482,000 people leaving the country, with 90% returning voluntarily. Bugti asserts that the second stage of the drive will eventually see the return of all individuals. He emphasizes that whoever wishes to come to Pakistan must do so legally, refuting media perceptions of refugees being mistreated.