Pakistan Launches Repatriation of 1.3 Million Afghan PoR Holders: A New Chapter in Migration

Pakistan Launches Repatriation of 1.3 Million Afghan PoR Holders: A New Chapter in Migration

The repatriation and deportation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is set to commence on September 1, 2025, affecting over 1.3 million individuals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. This decision follows a recent announcement from the interior ministry, which declared that PoR cardholders, the last group of Afghans legally residing in Pakistan, have become unlawful residents due to the expiration of their cards on June 30, 2025.

A letter dated August 4 from the interior ministry was addressed to the chief secretaries and police chiefs across the four provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, outlining the implementation of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP). The letter emphasized that voluntary returns for PoR cardholders would begin immediately, while formal repatriation and deportation efforts would start on September 1, 2025.

In addition, the ministry confirmed that the repatriation process for illegal foreign nationals, including holders of Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), would persist as previously determined under the IFRP. The ministry’s communication included directives for relevant agencies to compile databases of PoR cardholders, enabling a structured approach to repatriation efforts.

  • The National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) will assist in deregistering returning Afghans at transit points and border terminals.
  • The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will aid in the repatriation process at designated border crossings.
  • Provincial governments and relevant agencies are urged to map all PoR cardholders and create specific action plans for their repatriation.

The implementation of the IFRP has prompted discussions among local authorities. A recent meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) focused on the execution of this plan. The minutes of the meeting revealed several key decisions:

  • District administrations and police are to form teams and engage with Afghan elders to promote voluntary repatriation.
  • Deputy commissioners are tasked with remapping PoR cardholders in their respective areas.
  • The PSC recommended operationalizing the Peshawar and Landi Kotal transit points to full capacity.

Furthermore, the committee suggested that the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees should de-notify refugee camps that are no longer functioning as intended. The Commissionerate was also asked to provide information regarding the registration categories of individuals still residing in these camps.

Regarding local transit points, the PSC advised that decisions about the deportation of local individuals should involve the relevant deputy commissioner, military authorities, and Nadra’s guidance. This measure aims to ensure that deportation points are designated solely for local cases, with Torkham remaining the primary exit point for Afghans.

In March 2025, official sources indicated that Pakistani authorities had already communicated to their Afghan counterparts that PoR cards would not be extended past June 30, 2025. According to the UNHCR, there were over 1.3 million Afghans living in Pakistan as of that date, with distribution across various provinces:

  • Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 717,945
  • Balochistan: 326,584
  • Punjab: 195,188
  • Sindh: 75,510
  • Islamabad: 43,154

The issuance of PoR cards began in 2004-05, supported by the UNHCR, and was supplemented by the introduction of Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC) in 2016 through amendments to the Foreigners Act of 1946.

In light of these developments, the UNHCR has expressed concern regarding Pakistan’s plans to forcibly repatriate Afghan refugees holding PoR cards. The agency recently reported numerous incidents of arrests and detentions involving Afghans across the country, including PoR cardholders.

The UN agency acknowledged Pakistan’s long-standing generosity in hosting refugees for over four decades, despite its own challenges. However, they highlighted that the forced return of PoR cardholders, who have been recognized as refugees for many years, contradicts Pakistan’s humanitarian approach and could violate the principle of non-refoulement.

As the repatriation process unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, advocating for the rights and safety of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

Similar Posts

  • 71-Year-Old Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Illicit Goods Shipment to Iran

    Ray Hunt, a 71-year-old Alabama businessman, was sentenced to five years in prison for illegally exporting industrial equipment to Iran, violating U.S. sanctions. Known as Abdolrahman Hantoosh, he pleaded guilty to charges related to breaching the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Hunt collaborated with Iranian companies and employed deceptive practices to evade detection, such as using third-party transshipment firms and misrepresenting export values. His sentencing aligns with increased U.S. sanctions against Iran, part of a strategy to limit its oil exports amid ongoing tensions. Iranian officials maintain that nations should independently determine their trade relations.

  • US Complicity Fuels Israeli Actions, Escalating Regional Insecurity

    In a Tehran meeting, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Araghchi and UN Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg discussed the severe humanitarian crisis in Yemen due to ongoing U.S. military aggression. Araghchi condemned U.S. attacks, arguing they contribute to regional instability and impact civilian lives. He called for U.S. leaders to recognize the link between the Yemeni plight and broader issues, including the humanitarian crisis in Palestine. Grundberg acknowledged Iran’s support for peace efforts, emphasizing the need for stability in Yemen for regional security. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic solutions amid escalating violence and foreign interventions.

  • This article will be expanded soon. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly. This article will be expanded with more detailed information shortly.

  • Pezeshkian Administration Unveils Bold Strategy to Counter U.S. Maximum Pressure, Says Spokesperson

    In response to the U.S. “maximum pressure” campaign, Iran’s administration under President Masoud Pezeshkian is implementing a strategy to strengthen the economy and enhance resilience. Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani expressed confidence that the U.S. strategy “will get nowhere,” emphasizing the government’s commitment to overcoming challenges with public support. Key initiatives include boosting the economy, improving private and industrial sectors, and fostering knowledge-based companies. The government plans to utilize domestic resources and strengthen ties with neighboring countries to mitigate U.S. pressure. Mohajerani asserted that while Iranians favor negotiations, they will not yield to intimidation amid renewed U.S. sanctions.

  • Zarif Engages in Strategic Talks with Iraqi Leader Ammar al-Hakim

    Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Javad Zarif met with Seyyed Ammar al-Hakim, leader of Iraq’s National Wisdom Movement, to discuss enhancing regional cooperation and stability. Al-Hakim emphasized the need for collaborative solutions to current tensions, called for participation in the reconstruction of Gaza and Lebanon, and advocated for Syrian people’s rights to express their will and establish an inclusive government. He also highlighted Iraq’s significant political, social, and economic progress, stressing the importance of maintaining these achievements for national stability. Al-Hakim concluded that the stability of the Middle East depends on the stability of all nations, respecting their unique characteristics.

  • Hamas Accuses Israel of Ceasefire Breaches as Netanyahu Warns of Renewed All-Out War

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned of potential military action if Palestinian prisoners are not released, escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip. This follows claims by Hamas that Israel is violating a ceasefire agreement. Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida noted several violations, including Israel’s delay in prisoner swaps and the return of displaced individuals, alongside ongoing shelling. Netanyahu stated that if prisoners are not released by Saturday, “the ceasefire will end” and military operations will resume. Despite the ceasefire initiated on January 19, at least 118 Palestinians have been killed and 822 injured since its implementation.