Islamabad (Pakistan), March 26: A high-level government panel convened on Monday under the leadership of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to address key national security issues, including the deportation of illegal immigrants, human smuggling, stricter penalties for organized begging, and the digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), according to Dawn.
The panel, known as the Harden the State Committee, was tasked with shaping and implementing legal frameworks to address these challenges. This was the committee’s second session since its formation on January 28, following directives issued during the Apex Committee meeting on January 3. The meeting held particular significance as it came just one week before the government’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to voluntarily leave the country.
Officials reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the expulsion plan in line with national policy and security concerns. According to informed sources, discussions focused primarily on the enforcement mechanisms for removing illegal immigrants, countering human trafficking networks, and imposing stricter punishments for professional beggars who exploit the system.
Significant attention was also given to the FBR’s digitization, with efforts aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and financial regulation through modern technological solutions.
The panel includes senior officials from the interior and petroleum divisions, the FBR chairman, as well as representatives from intelligence agencies, including the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Military Operations Directorate, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and provincial counterterrorism departments. This comprehensive approach ensures that national security concerns are addressed holistically.
With the government’s deadline for the voluntary departure of undocumented foreigners approaching, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure the smooth enforcement of expulsion policies while addressing broader security challenges linked to illegal migration and criminal activities.