Forum reported 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 Pakistan government’s directive that all illegal immigrants leave the country. Photo: PPI
QUETA:
The Provincial Higher Committee, in its 21st meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, carried out a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, governance reforms and ongoing development efforts, underlining significant progress in implementing State orders.
The high-level forum was informed that 721,000 Afghan migrants have been repatriated from Balochistan as part of intensified operations targeting foreign nationals residing illegally. In addition, almost a million people 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. He praised the army for its strong defensive posture and quick responses to emerging threats, while reaffirming full confidence in the national leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff.
The ongoing crackdown on illegally residing foreigners continues, with authorities offering a reward of Rs 50,000 for credible and verified information leading to actionable results. Anti-narcotics measures have been intensified, resulting in 330 people being included in the Fourth List for their involvement in poppy cultivation.
The meeting took note of departmental proceedings against nine officers accused of actions prejudicial to the interests of the State, with show cause 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 in Balochistan, reporting 24 arrests and convictions in 16 cases. Members recognized the agency’s improved performance and urged aggressive and continued enforcement.
In the education sector, authorities reported that 200,000 out-of-school children were enrolled in institutions last year. Biometric attendance systems are now operational at 10 of 12 public universities, with approved plans to extend the initiative to colleges and schools across the province.
Addressing the committee, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of decisive state policies in strengthening law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a unified and uncompromising stance against terrorism.
Bugti pointed to the expansion of merit-based opportunities as a ray of hope for underprivileged families, citing the recent selection of five children of workers in the Pakistan Air Force as a historic achievement.
