Pakistan to demand proof of terror charges for deportees

Pakistan ordered its diplomatic missions in the European capitals to seek proof of charges in cases of deportation of any of its citizens held on terror charges by the host countries.

Islamabad: Pakistan on Tuesday ordered its diplomatic missions in the European capitals to seek proof of charges in cases of deportation of any of its citizens held on terror charges by the host countries.

The decision taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan came just days after Islamabad suspended a re-admission agreement with European countries except Britain.

Khan said in the meeting that the Pakistani missions abroad will seek details and proof of charges from the host country if they deport any Pakistani national on the basis of terrorism, according to statement by the Interior Ministry.

"It is a violation of human rights if any Pakistani is deported on terror charges without any proof," he said.

"We have to not only give courage to Pakistani expatriates, but also stand by them at every step."

Khan also warned airlines of heavy fine if they brought any Pakistani back without permission of the Interior Ministry or without travel documents.

Earlier, Pakistan suspended the re-admission agreement as most countries have been deporting illegal Pakistani citizens "without verification", which was violation of the agreement. According to Khan, more than 90,000 Pakistanis were sent back last year without verifications.