Pakistan is set to deport millions of Afghan refugees as the Proof of Registration (PoR) card expires on June 30, ending their legal status and protections. The PoR card allowed Afghan refugees to stay in Pakistan without fear of arrest or deportation. Now, many face the risk of being sent back to Afghanistan.
The latest round of deportations follows an earlier phase launched after March 31, which focused on Afghans holding Afghan Citizen Cards and those without documentation.
That phase slowed down after Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar visited Kabul and held talks with Taliban officials amid concerns over the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan operating from Afghan territory.
'Final phase of deportations'
An Islamabad-based security official told The Media Line that this marks the final phase of deportations, targeting approximately 1.3 million Afghans who are either registered with the United Nations or hold PoR cards. The Federal Interior Ministry had earlier set June 30 as the deadline for voluntary departure.
Pakistan began issuing the PoR card to Afghan refugees in 2006 as a legal document, allowing them to remain in the country.
This computerized card, similar to Pakistan’s national identity card, is issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and allows refugees access to basic services.