PAKISTAN: Pakistani Authorites release and deport 562 Afghan nationals arrested on illegal immigration charges

Record ID: 872822

  • Title: PAKISTAN: Pakistani Authorites release and deport 562 Afghan nationals arrested on illegal immigration charges
  • Date: 16th February 2006
  • Summary: PARKED BUS VARIOUS OF AFGHAN JUVENILE PRISONERS WAVING FROM BUS (3 SHOTS) BUS LEAVING
  • Embargoed: 3rd March 2006 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Pakistan
  • City:
  • Country: Pakistan
  • Topics: Crime / Law Enforcement,International Relations
  • Reuters ID: LVAA5CY9KY2ZIZFLNFB36UFGOWWR
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: Pakistan deported 562 Afghan nationals, mostly labourers on Wednesday (February 15) arrested on charges of illegal immigration.
    The Afghans, 471 men and 91 juveniles, arrested mostly from Karachi and its surrounding cities, had been jailed in the southern city of Karachi for up to six months.
    The release came hours ahead of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's arrival in Pakistan on Wednesday afternoon on a three-day official visit for consultations with the top Pakistani leadership. Allies in the U.S.-led war on terrorism, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been testy for much of the time since Pakistan's independence in 1947.
    The detainees will be taken by 12 buses to the border town of Spin Boldak from where they would be sent to their homes.
    A juvenile prisoner said he was very happy upon his release, as he would soon join his parents.
    "I was arrested from Hub Cowki area on charges of border crossing. Everything was good here in jail. (Reporter asking question) I am feeling happy upon my release. I am going to reunite with my parents," said Nooruddin Khalidad, a juvenile prisoner from Afghan capital Kabul.
    "I used to work in Karachi, then I went to Iran and I was arrested," said Ziauddin, another juvenile prisoner.
    Afghan consul in Karachi Abdul Muqtadir Frozanfur who visited adult prison told reporters he would ensure Afghan people travel to Pakistan with proper documents.
    "I thank a lot to Pakistan government for their cooperation. Insha Allah (God willing) I will try to inform Afghanistan, specially on (through) radio, television and newspaper, inform the people (of) not coming to Pakistan without documents," he said.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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