Pakistan Government Halts Deportation of Afghan Refugees with PoR Cards

On July 5, 2025, the Pakistani federal government announced a directive to suspend the deportation of Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. This decision comes as the government deliberates on extending the validity of these documents, which are crucial for the legal status of many Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan. According to an official notification from the Interior Ministry, authorities have been instructed to refrain from any adverse actions against these registered refugees until a final decision is reached regarding the extension of the PoR cards.

Currently, Pakistan is home to approximately 2.8 million Afghan refugees, a legacy of decades of conflict in Afghanistan that has led many to seek asylum across the border. Within this population, around 1.3 million individuals possess PoR cards, while an additional 813,000 hold Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), which were introduced in 2017 to provide temporary legal status. The recent directive marks a significant shift in policy, especially following earlier orders from the Interior Ministry that mandated the expulsion of all undocumented foreigners and ACC holders by March 31, 2025.

This new approach appears to be a response to the growing international scrutiny over Pakistan's treatment of Afghan refugees. Parliamentary Secretary Mukhtar Ahmad Malik underscored in a recent parliamentary session that only a small fraction of the nearly three million Afghan nationals in Pakistan possess valid documentation. He emphasized that the government is reviewing its policies on refugee documentation as part of a broader reassessment of immigration management in light of recent security and economic pressures.

The history of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is extensive, dating back over four decades. The influx began in the late 1970s due to the Soviet-Afghan War, and since then, Pakistan has continued to host significant numbers of Afghan nationals. However, the current climate has prompted tighter border controls and a more stringent immigration policy. In November 2023, the Pakistani government initiated a deportation drive, which has seen the repatriation of approximately 1.3 million Afghan nationals.

Experts are divided on the implications of the government's latest directive. Dr. Aisha Khan, a refugee studies expert at the University of Peshawar, argues that the decision to suspend deportations is a positive step towards ensuring the safety and dignity of refugees. "It reflects an understanding of the complex realities faced by Afghan families in Pakistan, especially in light of the ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan," Dr. Khan stated in her remarks to The Express Tribune.

Conversely, some officials express concerns about the potential strain on Pakistan's already stretched resources. As the country grapples with economic challenges, the presence of a large refugee population could complicate matters. An anonymous senior official within the Interior Ministry noted, "While the government's decision may be well-intentioned, we must consider the economic realities and security implications involved in hosting such a large number of individuals without adequate support systems."

The Pakistani government's recent directive not only highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugees but also underscores the delicate balance between humanitarian obligations and national interests. As the situation evolves, the international community will closely monitor Pakistan's policies regarding Afghan refugees, especially in the context of the looming decision on the extension of PoR cards.

In conclusion, the temporary halt on deportation actions against Afghan refugees with PoR cards represents a critical juncture in Pakistan's refugee policy. The outcomes of the government's deliberations on PoR card extensions will significantly impact the lives of thousands of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan, as well as the broader regional dynamics surrounding refugee management and humanitarian assistance in South Asia.