Pakistan sets up deportation centers to hold migrants in the country illegally starting next week

By MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan is setting up deportation centers to hold migrants living in the country illegally, including an estimated 1.7 million Afghans. The government earlier this month announced a crackdown on illegal migration that’s been condemned by the U.N. and Taliban authorities in Afghanistan. The deadline is next Tuesday and Pakistan says foreigners without registration or documents will be arrested after that. Officials said Thursday the new deportation centers will hold those arrested starting next Wednesday. Pakistan has been hosting millions of Afghans who fled their country during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation. The numbers swelled after the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021.