Islamabad – In a major policy decision, the Ministry of Interior has issued a formal notification announcing the start of the voluntary repatriation process for Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, citing growing security concerns and pressure on national resources.

According to the notification, the return of PoR card holders will begin immediately on a voluntary basis, while the process for remaining Afghan nationals under this category will formally commence from September 1, 2025.

“The decision was taken during a high-level meeting, keeping in view national security concerns and increasing resource constraints,” the Interior Ministry said in the notification issued late Tuesday.

Coordination and Oversight

The Ministry stated that NADRA will be responsible for cancelling registrations of Afghan nationals at transit areas and border terminals. Additionally, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) will be tasked with facilitating the return process at designated border crossing points.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will engage with the Afghan interim government, UNHCR, and other international stakeholders to ensure coordination and humane handling of the repatriation process.

However, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed concern over Pakistan’s intention to forcibly return Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration cards. According to UNHCR, these individuals have been recognized as refugees for decades, and their forced return would violate international principles.

The agency has raised alarm about the fate of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls, who could face severe human rights risks upon returning to Afghanistan. Other at-risk groups have also been flagged. UNHCR has strongly urged the Government of Pakistan to ensure any return is voluntary, safe, and dignified.

They have also called on authorities to adopt measures exempting Afghans with ongoing international protection needs from involuntary repatriation. So far this year, more than 2.1 million Afghans have returned or been forced to return to Afghanistan, including 352,000 from Pakistan.

Moreover, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON has been directed to share complete data of PoR card holders with relevant provincial and district-level committees, which will oversee operational execution.

Provincial Action Plans and Mapping

All provincial governments and relevant agencies have been directed to complete mapping of PoR card holders in their jurisdictions. Provinces are also required to develop and share action plans with the Ministry of Interior.

District and provincial-level committees will be formed to ensure on-ground implementation, while control rooms will be reactivated to monitor progress.

Facilities and Support for Returnees

The notification directs the establishment of transit areas and arrangements for transportation and financial support to facilitate returnees. A hotline and complaint cell will also be set up to address grievances during the repatriation process.

Daily progress will be monitored through the Foreign National Security Dashboard (FNSD).

The Ministry has also requested all stakeholders to immediately share updated contact details of their focal persons. A Section Officer for Security has been designated as the focal person from the Ministry of Interior.

Return of ACC Holders Unaffected

The Ministry clarified that the ongoing repatriation of Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders will continue as per the earlier decision under the International Framework for Repatriation of Persons (IFRP).