Pakistan has announced a one-year extension for the stay of approximately 1.45 million registered Afghan refugees, following discussions with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This decision, titled “Pakistan Extends Afghan Refugee Stay,” comes amidst ongoing concerns about the country’s repatriation program and its impact on Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan. The Pakistani government’s decision to extend the validity of Proof of Registration (POR) cards for Afghan refugees until June 30, 2025, was approved by the federal cabinet on Wednesday. This extension applies to the 1.45 million Afghan refugees whose POR cards had expired on June 30, 2024. The announcement follows a meeting between Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UNHCR Chief Filippo Grandi, who visited Pakistan earlier this week.
During their discussion, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the need for the international community to recognize the “burden being shouldered” by Pakistan in hosting a large refugee population. He called for “collective responsibility” in addressing this ongoing situation. Pakistan has been a host to millions of Afghan refugees since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, with the most recent influx occurring in August 2021 when the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan.
The refugee situation in Pakistan is complex, with the government reporting that the country currently hosts nearly three million Afghans. Of these, approximately 2.4 million possess some form of legal documentation. This includes almost 1.5 million holders of UNHCR Proof of Residence cards and another 800,000 with Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC). In November of last year, Pakistan launched a repatriation program aimed at returning millions of Afghans, regardless of their legal status. This program has been widely criticized by international organizations and human rights groups. According to an official from the Afghan Commissionerate, the government agency responsible for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, more than 600,000 refugees have returned to Afghanistan since the program’s inception. Of these, over 30,000 were deported, while the rest returned voluntarily. UNHCR Chief Grandi, during his visit, acknowledged the challenges faced by Pakistan in hosting such a large refugee population. He expressed appreciation for the current suspension of the repatriation program and hoped that this pause would continue. Grandi emphasized the need to “seize this opportunity to accelerate solutions and have a broader vision for the Afghan people in Pakistan.”
The official from the Afghan Commissionerate, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the repatriation plan has been temporarily halted. Currently, there are no expulsions or deportations occurring at border crossings in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or Balochistan provinces. The official stated, These days, there is complete calm at the border, and Afghan families are not facing harassment or arrests This development comes at a crucial time for both Pakistan and the Afghan refugee population. The repatriation program, which began in November, has been a source of tension and uncertainty for many Afghan families who have lived in Pakistan for years, if not decades. Many of these refugees fear returning to Afghanistan due to ongoing security concerns and economic instability in their home country.
The extension of the POR cards provides a temporary reprieve for registered Afghan refugees, allowing them an additional year of legal stay in Pakistan. However, it does not address the situation of unregistered Afghans or those with other forms of documentation. The broader question of long-term solutions for the Afghan refugee population in Pakistan remains unresolved. The international community’s role in supporting both Pakistan and Afghan refugees is crucial. As Prime Minister Sharif pointed out, there is a need for collective responsibility in addressing this protracted refugee situation. This includes providing financial support to host countries like Pakistan, as well as working towards creating conditions in Afghanistan that would allow for the safe and voluntary return of refugees. The UNHCR and other international organizations continue to advocate for the rights and well-being of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. They emphasize the importance of voluntary repatriation and the need for sustainable solutions that take into account the complex realities of the Afghan situation.
As Pakistan navigates this challenging issue, balancing its national interests with humanitarian considerations, the extension of the POR cards represents a positive step. It provides temporary relief for a significant portion of the Afghan refugee population and opens up space for further dialogue and planning. However, the situation remains fluid, and long-term solutions are still needed. The international community, Pakistan, and Afghanistan will need to work together to address the root causes of displacement and create conditions that allow for the dignified and sustainable return of refugees.
Pakistan’s decision to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees for another year reflects the complex dynamics of the refugee situation in the region. While it provides immediate relief for many, it also underscores the need for comprehensive, long-term solutions that address the needs of both the refugee population and the host country. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community’s support and engagement will be crucial in finding sustainable solutions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Related Posts:
UN Chief and Pakistan’s PM Discuss Afghan Refugee Crisis
Pakistan Extends Stay for Undocumented Afghans, Urgency Mounts Amid Resettlement Delays
