QUETTA: The Balochis­tan government has decided to take action against illegal immigrants under the Foreigners Act.

A meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Mathar Niaz Rana on Wednesday reviewed the law and order situation and decided not to allow anyone to cross the border without visa and legal documents.

It observed that people crossed into Pakistan from Afghanistan through infrequent routes and reached Quetta and other cities of Balochistan.

The meeting also noted that the local people were providing shelter to these illegal immigrants in their homes.

The checking at entry routes in the province also came under discussion and the meeting decided no one would be allowed to cross border illegally.

IGP Mohammad Tahir Rai, Joint Director of Inte­lligence Bureau Dost Ali Baloch, Brigadier Abid, Quetta Division commi­ssioner and others attended the meeting.

IG Tahir Rai and other officials briefed the meeting about the steps taken for improving the law and order situation in the province.

Chief Secretary Mathar Niaz Rana expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the law enforcement agencies. “Strict action should be taken against foreign citizens who cross the border illegally,” he said.

Around 750 people, who entered Balochistan from Afghanistan illegally, had been taken into custody and deported to their home country so far.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2021