The deadline for Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards to voluntarily leave Pakistan has expired, sources said Monday.
According to officials, only Afghan citizens with valid visas will not be deported, while those whose visas have expired will also be provided support.
Authorities added that leniency is being shown toward holders of medical and study visas.
So far, a total of 16,400 Afghans have been deported from Islamabad, sources confirmed.
UNHCR urges Pakistan to exempt Afghans with international protection needs from involuntary return
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has expressed concern over Pakistan’s intention to forcibly return Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, according to the statement issued on August 5.
“On 31 July, Pakistan confirmed that Afghan refugees would be repatriated under its ongoing ‘Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’. Over the past days, UNHCR has received reports of arrests and detention of Afghans across the country, including PoR cardholders,” the press release reads.
“We acknowledge and appreciate Pakistan’s generosity in hosting refugees for over 40 years amid its own challenges. However, given that those holding PoR cards have been recognized as refugees for decades, their forced return is contrary to Pakistan’s long-standing humanitarian approach to this group and would constitute a violation of the principle of non-refoulement.
“UNHCR remains particularly concerned about women and girls forced to return to a country where their human rights are at risk, as well as other groups who might be endangered. We call on the authorities to ensure that any return of Afghans to Afghanistan is voluntary, safe and dignified.
“UNHCR has continued to seek an extension of the validity of PoR cards and welcomes the additional one-month “grace period” that Pakistan has granted.
“UNHCR strongly urges the Government of Pakistan to apply measures to exempt Afghans with continued international protection needs from involuntary return. We also appeal to Pakistan’s established goodwill to allow legal stay for Afghans with medical needs, those currently pursuing higher education, or in mixed marriages. UNHCR has expressed its readiness to support the Government to establish the necessary mechanisms,” the press release statement.
According to UNHCR, in 2025 year, over 2.1 million Afghans have already returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan, including 352,000 from Pakistan.
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