The future of more than 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards is uncertain, as their official deadline to return to Afghanistan ends today (Monday). The federal cabinet has yet to receive any formal request to extend their stay.
Sources say that a plan is being considered to allow these Afghan nationals to stay in Pakistan for another three to six months under the POR card system. However, despite the urgency, neither the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) nor the Interior Ministry has submitted the necessary paperwork to the cabinet for approval.
Read more: Afghan Nationals Holding PoR Cards Will Face No Issues Until June 30
Last year, the government extended the POR cards for one year, a decision that was praised by the international community and humanitarian groups. That extension ends today, and no official decision has been made on whether there will be any further relief.
A senior official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that discussions are still ongoing, but no official proposal has been shared with the cabinet. “Time is almost up. Without formal approval, there’s no legal basis to let them stay past today,” the official stated.
The POR card program began in 2006, with support from the UNHCR, to register Afghan refugees who had fled conflict and settled in Pakistan. These cards provide temporary legal status but do not grant citizenship or permanent residency.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees over the past forty years, receiving several waves of migration caused by war and unrest in Afghanistan. Since 2023, however, the Pakistani government has increased efforts to send undocumented Afghans back, with many returning voluntarily or through forced repatriation.
The idea to extend the stay of POR card holders reportedly came up in recent talks between government departments and stakeholders, as international organizations continue to urge Pakistan to adopt a compassionate and humane approach—especially given the ongoing instability in Afghanistan.
