—— Decision taken in the interest of Pakistan, says Gen Munir as he backs interim govt’s decision
—— Adds illegal foreigners ‘seriously affected’ Pakistan’s security, economy
—— Asserts repatriation being done in “humane, dignified manner”
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir on Thursday said illegal foreigners residing in the country were “seriously affecting Pakistan’s security and economy” as he backed the interim government’s decision to deport illegals in the country.
The remarks were passed by the army chief during a visit to Peshawar, where he was given a detailed briefing on the overall security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, repatriation of Illegal foreigners and socio-economic developments in the erstwhile FATA areas.
“Decision to repatriate them has been taken by the government in the interest of Pakistan. Illegal for-eigners are being repatriated to their countries in a humane and dignified manner as per the estab-lished norms,” a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted General Munir.
During his visit to Peshawar, the COAS also interacted with officers and soldiers of the armed forces who displayed “gallantry actions during different counter-terrorism operations”.
Lauding their bravery and heroic acts, the army chief said that the nation takes pride and acknowledg-es the accomplishments of the armed forces.
“Pakistan is destined to succeed and Pakistan Army will continue to undertake its selfless and sacred duty of safeguarding every inch of the motherland till last drop of blood.”
The military’s media wing said General Munir also held an interactive session with the participants of the first National Workshop Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. During the session, he said that the support from the people of K-P to the armed forces has resulted in stability in the province and the initiation of pro-jects for better socio-economic development.
“Linking prosperity of Pakistan with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, COAS emphasised that nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of Pakistan are being foiled through a synergetic and compre-hensive strategy,” said the ISPR. On arrival, General Munir was received by the commander of Pesha-war Corps.
All foreign nationals living illegally in the country, including millions of Afghans, were given until No-vember 1 to leave voluntarily or face deportation.
The measures, including the introduction of the “one document regime” for Afghanistan, were part of a raft of measures approved by the civil and military leadership to deal with rising terrorist incidents.
The apex committee of the National Action Plan (NAP) meeting, presided over by caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, was held to discuss the prevailing security situation. The high-level hud-dle was attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, cabinet ministers and other senior security offi-cials.
The meeting was held against the backdrop of a surge in terrorist attacks and continued tensions with Afghanistan over its refusal to take action against the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Although the government did not mention any country by name, it is evident that the move is aimed at hundreds and thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan illegally. According to official estimates, as many as 1.1 million Afghans have been residing in the country illegally. Neither have they neither any documents nor any other legal means to stay in the country. –Agencies
