The situation for Afghan refugees in Pakistan has grown increasingly precarious as the deadline for Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired on June 30, 2025. Approximately 1.4 million Afghan refugees hold these cards, which have long served as a lifeline for legal residency in Pakistan. With their status now in limbo, many face the risk of deportation or loss of access to essential services, heightening fears of a humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has reported a sharp rise in Afghan returns from Iran, with over 640,000 individuals returning since March 20, 2025, including more than 366,000 forcibly deported. This mass movement underscores the growing instability for Afghan refugees across the region. Posts on X highlight the vulnerability of these communities, with some noting that forced returns to Afghanistan—where poverty and hunger are rampant—could exacerbate an already dire situation.
Pakistan’s decision to end PoR card validity has sparked concern among humanitarian organizations. Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to halt deportations and renew these cards, emphasizing the need to uphold international laws protecting refugees. The lack of clarity on what lies ahead for these 1.4 million individuals has left families grappling with uncertainty, particularly as Afghanistan struggles with limited resources and ongoing challenges like infectious disease outbreaks and inadequate healthcare.
Norway’s recent contribution of 10 million Norwegian kroner (approximately USD 990,000) to UNHCR aims to support Afghan refugees, but aid alone may not address the scale of the issue. Many refugees, some of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades, face the prospect of returning to a country with dwindling international support and a fragile infrastructure.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 11th, 2025
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