Forum informed that 721,000 Afghan migrants have been repatriated from Balochistan
Afghan refugees load their belongings onto a truck in Haripur as they prepare to return to their homeland following the Pakistani government’s directive for all illegal migrants to leave the country. Photo: PPI
QUETTA:
The Provincial Apex Committee, in its 21st meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, conducted a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, government reforms and ongoing development efforts, highlighting significant progress in enforcing the state’s mandates.
The high-level forum was informed that 721,000 Afghan migrants have been repatriated from Balochistan as part of intensified operations targeting illegally staying foreign nationals. In addition, nearly a million individuals have returned to Afghanistan through various transit points in the province. These figures highlight the scale of Pakistan’s ongoing repatriation initiative amid concerns over border security and regional stability.
The Committee expressed strong condemnation of the misuse of Afghan territory for hostile activities directed against Pakistan. It praised the army for its robust defensive posture and quick responses to new threats, while reaffirming full confidence in the national leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, chief of the army staff.
Ongoing crackdown on illegal aliens continues, with authorities offering a reward of Rs 50,000. for credible, verified information that leads to actionable results. Anti-narcotics measures have been intensified, resulting in 330 individuals being placed on the Fourth Schedule for their involvement in poppy cultivation.
The meeting noted departmental cases against nine officers accused of acts prejudicial to the interests of the state, with notices issued as part of the dismissal process. The Committee welcomed the increasing separation of family members from terrorist networks as a positive development.
The Federal Investigation Agency updated the forum on its operations against hawala-hundi networks and extortion rackets in Balochistan, reporting 24 arrests and convictions in 16 cases. Members recognized the agency’s improved performance and called for continued aggressive enforcement.
In the education sector, authorities reported that 200,000 out-of-school children were enrolled in institutions over the past year. Biometric attendance systems are now operational at 10 out of 12 public universities, with approved plans to expand the initiative to colleges and schools across the province.
Addressing the committee, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of determined state policies to strengthen law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a united, uncompromising stance against terrorism.
Pointing to expansion of merit-based opportunities as a beacon of hope for underprivileged families, Bugti cited the recent selection of five children of laborers into the Pakistan Air Force as a landmark achievement.
