The Sindh Assembly witnessed heated debates on the issue of illegal immigrants, sparked by an adjournment motion moved by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Heer Ismail Soho. The use of the term “Muhajir” by another PPP member caused an uproar, particularly among Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) members.
Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, contributing to the discussion, emphasized that talks about illegal immigrants should not be seen as targeting any specific community. He clarified that the concern over illegal immigrants is not directed at any particular group but is a broader issue. Ghani called for unity in demanding the expulsion of those living in the country without legal documentation.
Former Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani expressed full support for Heer Soho’s motion, stating that the government opposes only those who cross borders without proper documents.
Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq urged that Pakistanis who have migrated more than once should not be treated as foreigners. He called for the respectful repatriation of Biharis from Bangladesh and insisted that immigrants without identification should be sent back to their countries of origin. Farooq highlighted the right of those who migrated to Pakistan for religious reasons to live in the country.
PPP’s Tanzeela Qambrani argued that both registered refugees and illegal immigrants, particularly in Sindh, place a burden on Pakistan. She asserted that those residing illegally should be expelled. MQM’s Ejazul Haque underscored the need for legal action against illegal immigrants, linking the economic crisis to the involvement of Afghan citizens in crimes. He defended the Bihari community’s contributions to Pakistan, rejecting any derogatory connotations associated with the term “Bihari.”
Bilqis Mukhtar from MQM backed the adjournment motion but urged the assembly to remember the sacrifices made during partition. She contrasted this with Afghan immigrants, whom she accused of becoming involved in criminal activities, raising concerns about their impact on the country.
PPP’s Sham Sunder Advani emphasized the need for measures to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants, stressing the necessity of their deportation.
Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Zia Lanjar stated that anyone residing in Pakistan without legal citizenship would be considered illegal, regardless of their sect or region. He assured that the government is addressing the issue.
Heer Soho, while presenting her motion, stressed the importance of registering immigrants in any country. She called for a collective discussion on the issue of illegal immigrants, regardless of race or color. She also raised concerns about videos circulating on social media showing illegal immigrants desecrating the national flag.
During her speech, PPP MPA Marvi Rashidi accused corrupt elements within the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of issuing identity cards to illegal immigrants. Her use of the term “Muhajir” during the debate led to protests from MQM-P members, who took offense. Rashidi clarified that her comments were directed at illegal immigrants, asserting that no undocumented individuals should be allowed to remain in the province. She noted that strict policies against illegal residents exist worldwide.