The Ministry of Interior has issued a formal notification to begin the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (POR) cards, marking a significant policy shift amid rising security concerns and resource strain.
According to the notification, the repatriation process is being launched immediately, while the return of the remaining POR cardholders will commence from September 1. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting, considering the increased threat posed by certain militant elements allegedly operating under the guise of refugee status.
The notification clarifies that this step does not affect Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, whose return procedures remain governed by existing protocols under the International Organisation for Migration and UNHCR guidelines.
The Ministry has directed NADRA to make arrangements to de-register returning individuals at transit areas and border terminals, while the FIA will facilitate their exit at designated crossing points.
In cooperation with the Foreign Office, the Ministry of SAFRON, and international partners including the Afghan Interim Government and UN agencies, Pakistan will coordinate the repatriation in a phased and structured manner. Provincial and district authorities have been instructed to form action plans, provide logistical support, and map all POR holders to streamline the process.
Further steps include formation of district and provincial committees; activation of control rooms and complaint redress mechanisms, including hotlines, and monitoring of daily progress through the Foreign National Security Dashboard (FNSD).
The Ministry has also appointed a Section Officer (Security) as the central focal person and requested all stakeholders to update their focal contact details immediately.
This development comes amid increasing security incidents in Pakistan, with several investigations indicating the involvement of Afghan nationals or their local facilitators, leading to a more urgent focus on border and internal security.
