The Forum informed that 721,000 Afghan migrants were repatriated from Balochistan
Afghan refugees load their belongings onto a truck in Haripur as they prepare to return to their home country following the Pakistani government’s directive requiring all illegal migrants to leave the country. Photo: PPI
QUETTA:
The Provincial Supreme Committee, in its 21st meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, conducted a comprehensive review of the province’s security landscape, governance reforms and ongoing development efforts, highlighting significant progress in implementing state orders.
The high-level forum was informed that 721,000 Afghan migrants were repatriated from Balochistan as part of intensified operations targeting illegally staying foreign nationals. Additionally, nearly 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 strongly condemned the misuse of Afghan territory for hostile activities directed against Pakistan. He commended the army for its robust defensive posture and rapid responses to emerging threats, while reaffirming his full confidence in national leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Marshal Asim Munir.
The crackdown on illegally staying foreigners continues, with authorities offering a reward of 50,000 rupees for credible and verified information leading to concrete results. Anti-narcotics measures were intensified, resulting in 330 people being placed on the fourth list due to 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 commission 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 rackets in Balochistan, reporting 24 arrests and convictions in 16 cases. Members recognized the agency’s improved performance and urged continued, aggressive enforcement.
In the education sector, authorities reported that 200,000 out-of-school children were enrolled in institutions over the past year. Biometric attendance systems are now operational at 10 of 12 public universities, and plans have been approved to expand the initiative to colleges and schools across the province.
Addressing the committee, Chief Minister Bugti highlighted the tangible impact of the state’s resolute policies in strengthening law enforcement and governance. He stressed the need for a united and uncompromising stance against terrorism.
Bugti highlighted that the expansion of merit-based opportunities was a ray of hope for underprivileged families, citing the recent selection of five children of workers into the Pakistan Air Force as a historic achievement.
