In a significant move, the Anwaarul Haq Kakar-led caretaker cabinet announced on Wednesday the extension of the stay period for Afghan nationals in Pakistan who are in the process of evacuating to third countries.

The extension stretches from the initial deadline of December 31, 2023, to February 29, 2024. However, those remaining after the specified date will incur a monthly fine of $100, with a capped maximum limit of $800.

Key decisions, approvals in cabinet huddle

The caretaker government emphasized that the extension is accompanied by a penalty system. Damages will be applied at a rate of $100 per month for individuals staying beyond the revised deadline, with a financial ceiling of $800.

Information Minister Ghulam Murtaza Solangi highlighted that the cabinet also approved a reduction in the processing fee for Afghan nationals being evacuated to third countries. The processing fee, initially set at $800, has now been halved to $400.

The caretaker cabinet aims to encourage Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan illegally to either obtain legal documents or finalize evacuation agreements promptly.

Federal Cabinet's stance on Kashmir issue

Minister Solangi addressed the recent controversial verdict of the Indian Supreme Court on Kashmir, categorically rejecting it as unlawful. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an international dispute pending on the UN Security Council's agenda for the past seven decades.

Solangi emphasised the need to resolve the Kashmir issue by UN Security Council resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people. He stated that the Indian Supreme Court's decision would have no impact on the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

The Information Minister urged the international community to condemn what he termed as India's illegal acts aimed at suppressing the freedom of the people of Kashmir.