The fate of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards hangs in the balance as the official deadline for their repatriation expires today (Monday), with the federal cabinet yet to receive a summary for extending their stay.
According to official sources, a proposal is under consideration to extend the stay of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan under the POR card scheme by an additional three to six months.
However, despite the urgency, neither the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) nor the Ministry of Interior has forwarded the summary to the federal cabinet for approval.
Last year, the government had granted a one-year extension to Afghan POR card holders, a move widely welcomed by the international community and humanitarian organisations. That extension comes to an end today, amid concerns over the lack of a formal decision for further relief.
A senior government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that deliberations are ongoing, but no formal communication has been made to the cabinet so far. “Time is running out, and without cabinet approval, there is no legal cover to allow them to stay beyond today,” the official said.
The POR card system was introduced in 2006 with the support of the UNHCR to document Afghan refugees who arrived in Pakistan during various phases of conflict. It serves as an official identification allowing temporary legal residence, but does not confer citizenship or permanent rights.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for more than four decades, with the country witnessing multiple waves of migration due to conflict in Afghanistan. However, since 2023, the repatriation of undocumented Afghans has picked up pace, with authorities launching a crackdown that has seen thousands voluntarily or forcibly returned to Afghanistan.
The proposal to extend the stay of POR card holders reportedly emerged in recent meetings between relevant ministries and stakeholders amid mounting pressure from international agencies urging Pakistan to adopt a humanitarian approach, especially given the volatile situation in Afghanistan.
