Pakistan has decided to extend the validity of Proof of Registration cards for approximately 1.5 million Afghan refugees until June 30, 2025, following a plea from the United Nations to suspend deportation plans. This decision, announced by Pakistan's federal cabinet after a meeting on Wednesday, aims to provide temporary relief to Afghan refugees whose PoR cards expired on June 30, 2024.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized Pakistan's longstanding role as a host to a significant number of Afghan refugees during a discussion with Filippo Grandi, the head of the UN refugee agency, who recently visited the country. Sharif underscored the need for collective responsibility from the international community in recognizing Pakistan's burden.
Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, Pakistan has been a refuge for millions of Afghan nationals. The latest influx, triggered by the Taliban's resurgence in August 2021, saw between 600,000 to 800,000 Afghans seeking sanctuary in Pakistan. The country currently hosts nearly three million Afghan refugees, with approximately 2.4 million possessing some form of legal documentation.
Pakistan's recent repatriation efforts, initiated in November last year, have faced criticism for their indiscriminate nature, targeting both documented and undocumented Afghan nationals. As per official figures from the Afghan Commissionerate, over 600,000 refugees have voluntarily returned to Afghanistan, while more than 30,000 have been deported.
Acknowledging Pakistan's challenges, UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi expressed appreciation for the suspension of the repatriation program and voiced hope for its continuation. The UNHCR has been actively involved in supporting Afghan refugees in Pakistan and advocating for their rights.
The extension of PoR cards provides a crucial lifeline for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, allowing them legal status and access to basic services. However, uncertainties remain regarding their long-term prospects and the potential for further displacements given the volatile situation in Afghanistan.
The diplomatic discourse between Pakistan and the international community, particularly the UNHCR, underscores the complex dynamics of refugee management and the humanitarian obligations at stake. The decision to extend PoR cards reflects a temporary solution amidst broader discussions on sustainable refugee policies and international solidarity.
