UNHCR Appeals to Pakistan: Extend Stay for Vulnerable Afghan Refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has issued an urgent and heartfelt plea to the Government of Pakistan, requesting a crucial extension for the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards held by approximately 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees. These vital documents, which grant legal protection and access to essential services, are set to expire on June 30, casting a long shadow of uncertainty over countless lives.

This appeal underscores a deep humanitarian concern for the immense vulnerability of these Afghan individuals, particularly women and children, who have sought refuge in Pakistan for decades.

The expiration of their PoR cards would strip them of their legal status, potentially exposing them to increased risks, including arrest, detention, and forced returns to a homeland that many still consider unsafe and unstable.

Pakistan has historically demonstrated remarkable generosity, hosting millions of Afghan refugees for over 40 years – a testament to its enduring commitment to humanitarian principles.

The PoR cards have been a cornerstone of this protective framework, providing a semblance of stability for generations of Afghans who have built lives within Pakistan's borders. Previous extensions have offered critical breathing room, with the last one granted in December 2022.

The UNHCR's request comes at a challenging time, acknowledging Pakistan's ongoing economic difficulties and the significant burden it bears as one of the world's largest refugee-hosting nations.

In light of these pressures, the UN agency has reiterated its call for robust international support and burden-sharing initiatives to assist Pakistan in managing the immense responsibility of caring for such a large refugee population.

It is important to differentiate between registered PoR cardholders and other Afghans residing in Pakistan without legal documentation.

While the UNHCR's primary focus is on the extension for PoR holders, the broader context includes Afghans who do not qualify for these cards and may face deportation under different policies. The UNHCR remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation for all Afghan refugees when conditions in Afghanistan truly permit their sustainable return.

Extending the PoR cards is not merely a bureaucratic decision; it is a profound humanitarian gesture that directly impacts the well-being and future of over a million vulnerable people.

It allows them to maintain access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, preventing a potential surge in destitution and displacement. The international community, alongside Pakistan, must continue to work collaboratively to find durable solutions for these long-suffering communities.