The Karachi administration has started making arrangements for the Afghan nationals and foreigners in the vicinity of Jinnah International Airport.
According to a notification issued on August 26th, 2,000 people were expected to Karachi within the next week, and are to remain in Karachi for the next few days.
“The Deputy Commissioner Malir is requested to make adequate arrangements on emergency basis in the vicinity of the Jinnah International Airport, Karachi for the boarding, lodging, transport, and security of Afghan nationals and foreigners arriving at Karachi airport for transit purposes in coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authority and law enforcing agencies,” the notification read.
This decision was taken at a meeting on Aug 26 at 5 Corps headquarters with “chief of staff” in the chair, according to the commissioner’s office.
Two hotels and marquees near the Jinnah International Airport were booked for hosting the Afghan refugees. Although the passengers shall themselves bear all the expenses of their stay.
The Federal Investigation Agency, provincial health departmenst and K-electric were requested to co-operate in making the required arrangements.
Similarly, the hotels in Islamabad were prepared for the Foreigners being evacuated from Afghanistan. the hotels will be booked for 21 days from Friday onwards. Islamabad is expecting to receive 1000 foreigners each day of this week.
These arrangements are being made despite Pakistan’s initial reluctance to host additional Afghan refugees. The National Security Adviser Moeed Yousufinsisted that arrangements should be made within Afghanistan instead of displacing the Afghans.
“Why make them dar-ba-dar (homeless)? Make arrangement for them inside their country. Pakistan does not have the capacity to take more refugees,” he had emphasised.
