Interior Minister Rehman Malik speaks to media persons after a meeting at the immigration and passport department in Islamabad on Tuesday. – Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday warned overstaying foreigners in Pakistan to get their stay regularised otherwise they would face legal action including heavy fines.

Speaking to media representatives after chairing a meeting at the passport and immigration office headquarters, he said the foreign nationals will have to get their stay regularised within fifteen days. “We will not allow them to overstay in Pakistan after expiry of their visas,” he added.

The minister said he has constituted a task force to check the foreigners staying in the country illegally.

Listing different decisions taken in the meeting, he said students of colleges, universities and madrassas coming from abroad will be treated on equality and added that if any terrorist comes to Pakistan pretending as a student, action will also be taken against his/her sponsors.

Upcoming polls

He said despite of all security concerns, the general elections will be held on time. “There is a mindset who wants to disrupt the electoral process, but we are committed to conduct the polls on time and in a democratic manner,” Malik added.

Answering a question, he said situation in Balochistan is gradually improving, adding that the worsening law and order in Quetta was part of an international conspiracy.

The minister reiterated that foreign elements were involved in creating law and order situation in Balochistan.

Deportation of former Ogra chief

Commenting on deportation of the former Ogra chief, Malik said the FIA director general and the NAB chairman would ensure Tauqir Sadiq’s deportation to Pakistan. In this regard a team would be sent to bring Sadiq back to the country, he added.

Terrorism and peace talks

Answering another question, he said Pakistan did its best with regard to biometric system at Pakistan-Afghanistan border check post but it is regrettable that nothing has been done from Afghan side. He said Pakistan would not permit any movement from March 1.

With regard to dialogue with Taliban, Malik said they should show seriousness and send such representatives who could hold meaningful talks.

Taliban should know that people of Pakistan have seen their actual face and nation would never forgive them. Waliur Rehman and Hakimullah Mehsud should announce ceasefire to show a willing gesture, he added.

Opinion

Editorial

Dutch courage
Updated 02 Jun, 2024

Dutch courage

ECP has been supported wholeheartedly in implementing twisted interpretations of democratic process by some willing collaborators in the legislature.
New World cricket
02 Jun, 2024

New World cricket

HAVING finished as semi-finalists and runners-up in the last two editions of the T20 World Cup in familiar ...
Dead on arrival?
02 Jun, 2024

Dead on arrival?

Whatever the motivations for Gaza peace plan, it is difficult to see the scheme succeeding.
Another approach
Updated 01 Jun, 2024

Another approach

Conflating the genuine threat it poses with the online actions of a few misguided individuals or miscreants seems to be taking the matter too far.
Torching girls’ schools
01 Jun, 2024

Torching girls’ schools

PAKISTAN has, in the past few weeks, witnessed ill-omened reminders of a demoralising aspect of militancy: the war ...
Convict Trump
01 Jun, 2024

Convict Trump

AFTER a five-week trial saga, a New York jury on Thursday found former US president Donald Trump guilty of ...