Islamabad: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has released new data showing that as of July 31, 2024, Pakistan hosts approximately 1.51 million registered refugees and asylum-seekers. This figure includes a significant number of Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, highlighting Pakistan’s continued role as a major host country in the region.

According to The UN Refugee Agency, of the total refugee population, about 68.6% live outside of designated refugee villages, integrating into local communities across Pakistan, while 31.4% reside within refugee villages set up to provide shelter and aid. The data reveals that there are approximately 1.33 million Afghan PoR cardholders, 10,854 refugees under UNHCR’s direct mandate, and 170,315 registered asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their refugee status.

These figures underscore the ongoing humanitarian challenges faced by Pakistan, a country at the forefront of the global refugee crisis, largely due to its proximity to Afghanistan. The report also reflects the broader regional dynamics affecting displacement and the pressing need for sustained international support and cooperation to manage the refugee populations effectively.