The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has voiced concern over Pakistan’s intention to forcibly deport Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POP) cards.
On July 31, the Ministry of Interior of Pakistan said the legal validity of all refugee documentation, including POR cards, had expired on June 30, 2025.
The ministry said that holders of these cards would now be considered “illegal” residents and must leave the country.
In a statement issued yesterday, UNHCR expressed its concern over Pakistan’s decision to expel Afghan refugees with valid POR cards.
“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,” the statement said.
UNHCR called on Pakistani authorities to ensure that any return of Afghans to Afghanistan is voluntary, safe and dignified.
The agency 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 urged 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 expressed its readiness to support the Government to establish the necessary mechanisms.
The large-scale return of Afghans this year from neighbouring countries has put immense pressure on basic services, housing and livelihoods, and the host communities themselves, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
Mass and hasty returns significantly heighten protection needs, and risk instability in Afghanistan and the region, including onward movement.
This 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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