Sindh Assembly calls for expulsion of illegal immigrants from province

On Tuesday, the Sindh Assembly took a decisive step, calling for the expulsion of all illegal immigrants from the province.

Lawmakers from various parties united in their view that these immigrants are straining resources and contributing to crime.

The assembly adopted a motion demanding the extradition of illegal immigrants to their countries of origin.

This decision came after a heated debate sparked by a motion from PPP lawmaker Heer Soho. Her remarks, however, ignited controversy.

Controversial remarks spark debate

During the discussion, Heer Soho’s comments about illegal immigrants included a controversial reference to the Bihari community. This statement led to a strong backlash from MQM-P members, who were outraged and demanded that her remarks be removed from the record.

The debate became contentious, with members from both sides using the opportunity to voice grievances. MQM-P representatives defended the Bihari community and criticized the motion’s implications. They highlighted the community’s historical migration for the formation of Pakistan and rejected the notion of them being termed illegal.

Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani clarified that the motion targeted only those living in Pakistan without legal status. Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani supported the motion but emphasized that deportation is a federal responsibility.

The assembly members also called for a systematic approach to identifying and deporting illegal immigrants. They expressed concern over illegal activities linked to these immigrants, including crime and illegal labor.

With the assembly’s decision, the focus now shifts to implementing the motion and addressing the challenges of illegal immigration in Sindh. The debate underscores the complex immigration issues and the need for comprehensive solutions.

The Sindh Assembly’s resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on immigration and its impact on the province.