Islamabad, November 08, 2023 : In a development and attributed to well-placed sources, Pakistan has opted to grant a six-month extension to the stay of registered Afghan refugees within the country.
On October 3, a meeting of the National Action Plan (NAP) apex committee, presided over by Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, issued a directive that required all foreign nationals residing unlawfully in the country to depart voluntarily by October 31 or risk deportation.
Sources have indicated that the caretaker federal cabinet extended the stay of registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan through a circular memorandum.
The interim administration of Pakistan, following recommendations from the foreign office and interior ministry, has chosen to prolong the stay of Afghan refugees holding POR (Proof of Registration) card.
The original expiration date of June 30, 2023, has been extended to December 31. This decision will have a positive impact on registered Afghan refugees and their families.
Additionally, the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees has reported that approximately 203,639 Afghan nationals who were residing in Pakistan without legal authorization have voluntarily returned to their home country.
In the past 24 hours alone, 5,085 Afghan citizens returned to Afghanistan via the Torkham border crossing. From October 1st onward, a total of 203,639 Afghan citizens who were residing unlawfully in Pakistan have made the journey back to their home country, according to the Commissionerate.
