The cabinet on Tuesday approved a policy pertaining to the repatriation of Afghan refugees and barred entry into the country for those refugees who do not have valid visas.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif presided over a meeting of the cabinet during which the refugee repatriation and management policy was approved.

The policy calls for strict implementation of Pakistan's immigration laws along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and ensuring that those without visas are not allowed entry into the country.

The policy also permits an extension in the stay of registered refugees in the country till December 31, 2017.

"The interior ministry has been directed to expedite the process of registering refugees, which is already underway," Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Maryam Aurangzeb said during a media briefing after the cabinet meeting.

During the meeting it was also decided that 50 bunkers will be built along the Working Boundary to provide refuge to villagers living in the area during incidents of cross-border firing between India and Pakistan.

The meeting also agreed that the families of those killed in such incidents will be given Rs0.5 million as compensation. Families of those injured in fire exchanges will be given Rs0.15m in compensation.

The cabinet approved, in principle, negotiations of a draft agreement between Russia and Pakistan for the training of military personnel.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...