Pakistan says its planned deportation of 1.7 million Afghan migrants will be ‘phased and orderly’

By MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan says its recently announced plans to deport all migrants who are in the country illegally, including 1.7 million Afghans, will be implemented in a “phased and orderly manner.” Friday’s statement by the foreign ministry was likely meant to assuage international concerns and calm fears among Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Islamabad unexpectedly said on Tuesday that all migrants without valid papers, including the Afghans, will have to go back to their countries voluntarily before Oct. 31 to avoid mass arrests and forced deportation. This sent a wave of panic among those living in this Islamic country without approved documents and drew widespread condemnation from rights groups. Activists say any forced deportation of Afghans will put them at a grave risk.