Islamabad: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have issued a joint update on the arrest, detention, and repatriation of Afghan nationals in Pakistan. This comes in the wake of the Ministry of Interior’s enactment of the “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan” on September 26, 2023, aimed at managing undocumented foreigners in the country.

According to International Organization for Migration, the initiative, while still in effect, has seen a significant decline in arrests and deportations since reaching a peak in late 2023. The report specifically tracks the status and movements of those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and undocumented Afghan nationals. Monitoring efforts have been concentrated at major border crossings such as Torkham and Chaman, key exit points for Afghans returning to Afghanistan.

Despite ongoing deportations, a noteworthy development occurred on July 22, 2024, when the Government of Pakistan extended the validity of PoR cards until June 30, 2025, providing a temporary reprieve to Afghan nationals under this classification.

The collaborative data gathering by UNHCR and IOM is part of an effort to better understand the protection environment for Afghan nationals in Pakistan, especially in the context of changing policy landscapes that affect their legal status and security.