Measures to expel illegal foreign nationals ‘to continue’, Pakistan tells US

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Saturday informed the United States that it would not modify its policy regarding the expulsion of illegal foreign nationals staying on its soil who are leaving Pakistan at moderate pace.

Afghan nationals are the major part of such aliens. Pakistan conveyed its resolve during its officials’ meetings with the visiting US special envoy of Joe Biden administration, Thomas West, who concluded a two-day visit to Islamabad on Saturday and left for Gulf countries.

The envoy assured Pakistan of Biden administration’s support for its fight against the TTP’s terror activities from across the border. He had discussions with high-ranking Pakistani officials on security challenges and the protection of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Highly placed sources in the Foreign Office told ‘The News’ on Saturday evening that the two countries have developed broader understanding pertaining to the framework for early and smooth dispatching of more than 25000 Afghan nationals who had been working with United States during its occupation of Afghanistan. They are currently in Pakistan.

The US had provided the list of those Afghan nationals who were waiting here for their immigration. Pakistan had objections about the list and asked the US authorities to review it. The reviewed list has been provided to Pakistan as Islamabad wanted their visa process expedited. Pakistan will contact the American mission in developing the mechanics for their early repatriation.

In a series of posts on X, formerly Twitter, Thomas West stated that he met with Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Pakistan’s Special Representative in Afghanistan Asif Durrani, and Interior Ministry Secretary of Pakistan Aftab Akbar Durrani.

Emphasising the serious security challenges posed by the TTP in Pakistan, West underscored the imperative to safeguard Afghan refugees. The envoy conveyed Washington’s strong solidarity with Pakistan in the fight against terrorism in the region. He reminded that the United States had declared the TTP as a terrorist entity. “We are also grateful for close communication with Islamabad regarding refugee protection issues, including collaboration with international organisations and humane and dignified treatment.”

The US envoy met with the officials of UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) discussing their support for the most vulnerable and at-risk Afghans. “Proud that the US has contributed $77M to UNHCR this year for these efforts, and $9M to IOM to respond to recent earthquakes,” West said.

“I also met courageous Afghan refugees to hear about their lives first-hand. Admire their courage under wrenching circumstances. We call for their protection and thank UNHCR, IOM, and other partners for their efforts,” he added.

Prior to West, a US delegation led by Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Julieta Valls Noyes held meetings in the federal capital.

In the second phase of high-level talks between the two countries, Assistant Secretary of State Elizabeth Hurst will travel to Islamabad to meet key stakeholders in the country. The US special envoy for Afghanistan is here as part of his regional tour that would also take him to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar amid some adverse developments in the region.

Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan Ambassador Asif Durrani, while talking to ‘The News’ on Saturday evening, said that Thomas West’s visit was part of an ongoing process of consultations to find some common ground for resolution of issues. Durrani later left for Geneva to represent Pakistan at the Global Refugee Forum 2023 that is taking place at Palexpo in Swiss city.

The Forum is the world’s largest international gathering on refugees. It is designed to support the practical implementation of the objectives set out in the Global Compact on Refugees: Ease pressures on host countries, enhance refugee self-reliance, increase access to third-country solutions and improve conditions in countries of origin.

Ambassador Durrani will present Pakistan’s point of view regarding Afghan refugees on Pakistan’s soil and their status. He will have some important bilateral meetings during his stay in Geneva before returning home next week.