Islamabad, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti affirmed that the looming deadline for the voluntary repatriation of foreign nationals residing unlawfully in Pakistan isn’t directed towards any single nationality, dispelling notions that it particularly targets Afghans.

According to a news release by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during his briefing to the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Bugti emphasized that the stipulation is universally applicable, insisting that post the first of the upcoming month, only those bearing legitimate passports and visas will be permitted entry into Pakistan.

He was quick to allay the misperception that the government’s repatriation focus was singularly on the Afghan populace. “The repatriation deadline stands for every foreign individual residing unlawfully within our borders,” Bugti remarked, adding that no nation permits undocumented stays. He went on to denote individuals equipped with refugee cards or valid visas as the country’s guests.

Highlighting another facet of the issue, the Interior Minister also disclosed instances of Iranian Balochs illicitly crossing into Pakistan. He made it unequivocally clear that the nation’s stance was firm on the repatriation of all such unauthorized foreign nationals.