Islamabad: The Pakistani government has issued new directives to federal and provincial authorities to initiate action against Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, expanding the ongoing repatriation campaign that previously targeted Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and undocumented migrants.
Earlier, PoR cardholders had been given a deadline of June 30 to voluntarily leave the country.
According to an official circular issued by the Ministry of Interior, the government has yet to decide on extending the legal stay of Afghan refugees registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In the absence of such a decision, law enforcement agencies have been instructed to proceed with similar actions against PoR holders as were undertaken against undocumented Afghans and ACC holders.
Aaccording to administration sources, the lists of PoR cardholders have already been compiled, and police units have identified residential areas where such individuals are currently living.
The sources said that while a significant portion of the police force is currently deployed for the security of Muharram gatherings, arrangements for the repatriation of Afghan nationals remain intact and will be acted upon accordingly.
Meanwhile, a Ministry of Interior official confirmed that representatives from the UN recently held talks with officials from the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), requesting an extension of stay for PoR cardholders. The SAFRON Ministry has reportedly proposed an extension of three to six months.
However, the official noted that final approval for such an extension must come from the federal cabinet. While no cabinet meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, the possibility of a circular summary being used to obtain approval has not been ruled out.
As per the Ministry of Interior, over 1.2 million Afghan refugees currently reside in Pakistan under PoR registration.
