Millions of foreigners are residing illegally and no one is bothered about their overstay. This negligence is creating social problems, besides law and order issue. Alone in Karachi, it is said more than 2.5 million people are living illegally. Not only this, but they are also enjoying all facilities, including purchase of property and doing business.
Thousands of Afghanis and others illegally possess Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs) and many of them passports also. They are allegedly indulging in wrongdoings like smuggling while travelling on Pakistani passports, thus bringing bad name to the country.
Although the government has set up an organisation for the registration of foreigners working here, still an overwhelming majority of illegal foreigners did not get themselves registered.
I appeal to the federal government in the interest of the country, to launch a vigorous drive in co-operation with all provincial governments to get rid of illegal foreigners, particularly in Karachi, as soon as possible. Nevertheless, some illegal foreigners are hesitant to return to their countries as they fear victimisation by Immigration Department at exit points in Pakistan.
In this regard, a grace period of four months or so may be given to such foreigners to leave the country. It is a must that federal government should categorically announce that those, who would leave the country within the stipulated date, would not be subjected to any questions about their stay at all exit points like airports and check-posts of land routes. Those, who refuse to leave the country within the fixed time must be severely punished with rigorous imprisonment and heavy fines.