ISLAMABAD: The government has announced an extension of the validity of Proof of Registration Cards (PoRs) for Afghan refugees, originally set to expire on April 1, 2024, now extended until June 30, 2024.
This decision aims to support those who have not yet voluntarily departed from Pakistan, aligning with the government’s ongoing efforts to address illegal immigration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the federal cabinet meeting where this decision was made.
The extension of PoR card validity will allow cardholders continued access to essential services such as education, banking, and other facilities during their stay in Pakistan. However, it’s important to note that these cardholders will eventually be repatriated to Afghanistan as part of the third phase of the repatriation program targeting undocumented foreign nationals residing in Pakistan.
Pakistan has already expelled more than half a million undocumented refugees in the program’s first phase, which began on November 1 and continues to date. The second phase focused on repatriating refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), issued by Pakistan’s National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in 2017 after registration and processing.
In addition to the refugee repatriation efforts, the federal cabinet approved the establishment of an additional special court in Makran Division to handle anti-narcotics cases in Balochistan. This special court’s jurisdiction will extend to districts including Panjgur, Kech, Gwadar, Hub, and Lasbela, with emphasis placed on appointing competent judges and ensuring effective prosecution.
Furthermore, the cabinet received updates on the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) operations from the Federal Secretary for the Interior. Additionally, improvements in airport facilities, particularly in Lahore and Karachi, were discussed, highlighting increased service counters and ongoing facility upgrades.
The meeting also addressed the publication of advertisements seeking expressions of interest for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and approved appointments to the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA), alongside decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Legislative Cases on April 18, 2024.
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