High-level huddle: PM directs coordinated efforts for swift repatriation of illegal Afghans

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed all the provincial governments as well as federal and provincial institutions to work together to ensure the swift repatriation of Afghan nationals residing illegally in Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

He was chairing a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees. The Prime Minister said the brave people of Pakistan, who sacrificed their loved ones in the war against terrorism, are now asking how long the government will continue to bear the burden of Afghan refugees.

The meeting was attended by Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, federal ministers, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan, a representative of the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, senior federal and provincial officials.

He said Pakistan has consistently supported Afghanistan through decades of hardship. He noted that Pakistan has suffered thousands of precious lives and billions of dollars in economic losses in the war against terrorism. 

Shehbaz Sharif expressed concern over terrorist attacks on Pakistan from Afghan soil and the involvement of Afghan citizens in these attacks.He mentioned that the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the Defense Minister, and other senior officials have made multiple visits to Afghanistan to hold talks with the interim Afghan government to prevent the use of Afghan territory for terrorism in Pakistan. He added that Pakistan has made strong diplomatic and political efforts to stop the infiltration of militants from Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister also expressed concern over Afghanistan's recent attack on Pakistan and its support for militant infiltration attempts. He said the valiant armed forces of Pakistan gave a befitting response to the attack. Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army repelled Afghanistan's aggression, and the entire nation pays tribute to their valor. He added that under Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's leadership, the Pakistan Army has already proven during Indian aggression that our brave forces are fully capable of defending the homeland with their professional skills.

Welcoming all participants of the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said he congratulated the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa yesterday via telephone and assured him full cooperation of the federal government. 

The Prime Minister emphasized that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a vital unit of the federation, and the Federal Government is committed to supporting the provincial government for the welfare and development of its people. In the meeting, Muzammil Aslam represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. 

After the meeting, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar told media that the nation has rejected the protest call by the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf. In a video statement on Friday, he said this has always been the outcome of such aimless calls for protest. The Minister expressed satisfaction that daily life is continuing across the country in a routine manner.

Attaullah Tarar further said that an important meeting was held in Islamabad on Friday with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the chair regarding Afghan refugees and their repatriation. He said representatives from all relevant institutions and provinces were present in the meeting during which important decisions were taken regarding the repatriation of Afghan refugees.

The Minister said informed that all the provincial chief ministers, except the one from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, attended the meeting. He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was represented by Muzammil Aslam.

He said the presence of the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was essential in the meeting regarding the law and order of the province but he did not attend the meeting. Attaullah Tarar lauded the Federal Government's foreign policy, asserting that its prudent measures have enhanced the prestige of the green passport.

He also highlighted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has consistently advocated for Gaza and the Palestinians on every platform.

According to Attaullah Tarar, the presence of the Chief Minister was necessary in the meeting regarding the law and order of the province but the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa did not attend the meeting. He said that the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not believe in sitting and discussing in the meeting.

Federal Minister said that Pakistan has played its role on the issue of Gaza and Palestine, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has raised his voice for Gaza and the Palestinians at every opportunity. 

Moreover, he said that by the grace of Allah Almighty that our foreign policy is going successfully and after the struggle for truth, Pakistanis are being taken very seriously, as government measures have increased the prestige of the green passport. 

Information Minister said that the public has rejected the call for protest by TLP and PTI, as this is the result of pointless protest calls. The businesses and life are going on across the country.