UN concerns
ISLAMABAD
Pakistan on Monday defended its decision to expel all illegal foreigners after the Oct.31 deadline amid United Nations concerns that the decision could lead to a human rights crisis.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. high commissioner for human rights speaking in Geneva urged Pakistan to suspend its planned expulsion of illegal foreigners mostly Afghans.
“We are very worried that those who are deported face a whole host of human rights violations including torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, severe discrimination, and lack of access to basic economic and social needs,” said Ravina Shamdasani at a press conference, according to VOA.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said Monday that the ongoing Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan applies to all illegal foreigners residing in Pakistan, irrespective of their nationality and country of origin.
She was responding to media queries about a press statement by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Spokesperson said the plan of repatriation of illegal foreigners is in exercise of Pakistan’s sovereign domestic laws, and in compliance with international norms and principles.
She clarified that all foreign nationals residing legally, and registered in Pakistan are beyond the purview of this Plan. The Spokesperson urged the international community to scale up efforts to address refugee situations by advancing durable solutions as a matter of priority.
She said Pakistan’s record of last forty years in hosting millions of Afghans speaks for its commitment towards protection and safety needs of those in vulnerable situations with utmost seriousness. She said Pakistan will continue to work with international partners to this end.
