Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti stated that foreigners engaged in political activities in Pakistan will face deportation, with ten individuals already being expelled. He emphasized that no foreign national is permitted to partake in politics within the country.
During a press briefing in Islamabad, Bugti highlighted that over 200,000 people have left Pakistan thus far, with 90% departing voluntarily. Afghan citizens are barred from engaging in any form of political involvement in Pakistan, leading to the deportation of ten individuals engaged in such activities. He stressed that foreigners arriving in Pakistan on visas are prohibited from engaging in political affairs, and those violating this law will be promptly deported.
Regarding election security, Bugti assured measures to safeguard the electoral process. He noted the vulnerability of political leaders during rallies and processions, citing past instances of political figures being targeted by terrorism in Pakistan. He highlighted ongoing threats, specifically concerning Maulana Fazlur Rehman, during election periods.
Expressing the necessity for Pakistan to adopt a more assertive stance, Bugti emphasized the transition from being a ‘soft state’ to a ‘hard state.’ He highlighted the imperative role of NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) in becoming a comprehensive national security institution.