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ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif revealed on Tuesday that Afghan nationals serving in the army, including two in officer ranks, were among those expelled from the country as part of its crackdown on illegal immigrants.
Referring to terrorists linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, Asif said the vast majority reside in Afghanistan, while 3,000 to 4,000 militants were brought to Pakistan for “resettlement” during Tehreek-e Pakistan’s rule -Insaf (PTI). “We have also informed the National Assembly about the issue.
In an interview to a private TV channel, he claimed that there has been no further influx from Afghanistan at the state level, however, there have been infiltration attempts by militants from time to time.
Highlighting the porous nature of the Pak-Afghan border, the defense minister highlighted how easily individuals can cross into Pakistani territory, obtain legal documentation and even be recruited into the armed forces.
“As defense minister, I signed two or three files in which Afghan recruits were released, one of them was a captain and one was a lieutenant.”
The defense minister also recounted the event – where, through a letter – the soldier’s father admitted his Afghan citizenship and extended stay in Pakistan, including ownership of property and business in Quetta. Despite his strong ties to the country, the individual was forced to leave, Asif said.
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