ISLAMABAD: The future of over 1.4 million Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards remains uncertain as their legal stay in Pakistan officially expires today (Monday), with no formal decision yet from the federal cabinet regarding an extension.
The government is considering a three to six-month extension for POR card holders, but despite the urgency, neither the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) nor the Ministry of Interior has submitted the necessary summary for cabinet approval.
Last year, the government granted a one-year extension, a decision widely praised by humanitarian organisations and the international community. That relief period ends today, amid growing concern over the lack of legal cover for refugees moving forward.
A senior government official confirmed that while discussions are ongoing, no formal proposal has reached the cabinet. “Time is running out. Without cabinet approval, there is no legal framework to allow their continued stay beyond today,” the official warned.
The POR card scheme, introduced in 2006 with support from the UNHCR, was designed to document Afghan nationals who entered Pakistan during periods of conflict. While it grants temporary legal residency, it does not confer citizenship or permanent rights.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for over four decades, accommodating several waves of migration. However, since 2023, authorities have accelerated the repatriation of undocumented Afghans, with many returning to Afghanistan either voluntarily or through state action.
The latest proposal to extend the stay of POR card holders reportedly surfaced during recent inter-ministerial meetings, as international pressure mounts on Pakistan to maintain a humanitarian stance, particularly given the fragile situation across the border.
For now, the fate of over a million refugees remains in limbo, pending a swift decision from the government.
