Interior Ministry makes major decision on Afghan POR card holders
Islamabad – The Ministry of Interior has issued a formal notification announcing a major decision regarding Afghan citizens living in Pakistan under Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
According to the notification, the voluntary return of Afghan refugees will begin immediately, while the phased repatriation of remaining PoR cardholders will start from September 1, 2025.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting attended by all relevant authorities. The ministry cited national security concerns and pressure on public resources as key reasons for initiating the return process.
The notification clarified that the existing policy under the IFRP (Interim Framework for the Return of Afghan Citizens) will remain in place for Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders.
To ensure a smooth repatriation process, the government will work closely with international partners, including the UNHCR, the Afghan interim government, and other humanitarian organizations.
Key measures outlined in the notification include:
Provision of complete PoR holder data to provincial and district-level committees by the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON.
NADRA will oversee the deregistration of returning individuals at transit points and border terminals.
The FIA will support operations at designated border crossings.
Provincial governments have been instructed to map all PoR cardholders and submit a detailed action plan to the Interior Ministry to ensure an organized, step-by-step repatriation.
The government will also set up designated transit areas, arrange transport and financial assistance, and establish district and provincial-level implementation committees.
Control rooms will be reactivated, and hotlines and complaint centers will be established to address any issues that arise during the process. The Foreign Nationals Security Dashboard (FNSD) will monitor daily progress.
All stakeholders have been asked to update the Ministry of Interior with their latest focal person details, while a Security Section Officer from the ministry has been appointed as the official focal person for coordination.
This step marks a major shift in Pakistan’s refugee policy and sets a structured timeline for the return of thousands of Afghan nationals residing in the country.
