RASC News Agency: Pakistani media reports indicate that the federal cabinet has approved a one-year extension of the validity of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for 1.45 million Afghanistani refugees. According to Dawn News, a statement released by the Pakistani Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday, July 10, confirmed that the PoR cards for Afghanistani refugees will remain valid until June 30, 2025.
The PoR cards are crucial identity documents issued to registered Afghanistani refugees. In addition to these cards, another 800,000 individuals hold Afghanistani Citizenship Cards. The extension of Afghanistani refugees’ residency in Pakistan comes amid reports of the suspension of the repatriation of undocumented Afghanistani citizens from Pakistan.
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, confirmed the suspension of the repatriation plan following a meeting with Pakistani leaders. In a statement from the UNHCR, Grandi expressed gratitude for the suspension of the “plan to return undocumented foreign nationals.”
Last year, the Pakistani government announced plans to deport undocumented Afghanistani refugees, resulting in the daily expulsion of hundreds of Afghanistani nationals since then. Earlier this year, the Pakistani government revealed its intention to initiate the second phase of deporting Afghanistani refugees, including those holding identity cards.
