The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the decision to deport illegal foreign nationals residing in Pakistan aligns with the country's autonomous domestic laws and international principles.
Spokesperson Zehra Baloch responded to a statement from the United Nations High Commissioner (UNHCR) and asserted that this decision is in accordance with Pakistan's sovereign national laws and applicable international norms and principles.
The UNHCR had appealed to Pakistani authorities to postpone the deadline for the conclusion of the Deferred Voluntary Repatriation (DVR) scheme after November 1. The spokesperson mentioned that they have reviewed the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights' press release.
The plan for the repatriation of illegal foreign nationals in Pakistan applies to all such individuals, irrespective of their nationality or country of origin.
The spokesperson noted that all legally resident or registered foreign citizens in Pakistan are outside the scope of this program. The government of Pakistan is committed to ensuring the protection and well-being of these individuals and takes its promises very seriously.
They also pointed out that the country's track record of hosting millions of Afghan brothers and sisters over the past 40 years is a testament to this commitment.