Pakistan has decided to extend the stay of registered Afghan refugees by one year, easing concerns about their return to Afghanistan. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, which began last year citing security reasons. Officials clarified that this move does not target Afghan refugees specifically, contrary to earlier allegations.
The extension applies to approximately 1.45 million Afghan refugees whose Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired on June 30, 2024. Now, their validity has been prolonged until June 30, 2025, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Total Number of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
Currently, Pakistan hosts around 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees, alongside over 800,000 holding Afghan citizenship cards, as reported by the UN refugee agency. The decision, taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, follows concerns over the suspension of Afghan repatriation plans without legal documents.
UNHCR Afghan Refugees in Pakistan 2024
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) welcomed Pakistan’s decision, emphasizing its significance in supporting refugees amidst global displacement crises. The suspension of the repatriation plan was confirmed after discussions between Pakistani leaders and UNHCR officials.
