In the midst of ongoing repatriation efforts, Afghan refugee policy remains a key topic in Pakistan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has assured that no Afghan refugee will be expelled by force. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Friday, he emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural and historical ties between the people of KP and Afghanistan.
No Forced Deportation
CM Gandapur made it clear that KP opposes any forced deportation.
His remarks came as the federal government initiated the repatriation of undocumented Afghan refugees and those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), following the March 31 deadline for voluntary return.
Refugee Presence in Pakistan
Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for nearly five decades. While hundreds of thousands have returned over the years, more than 2.1 million still reside across the country, with a large number in KP.
According to the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), there are currently:
-
1.4 million legally registered refugees with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.
-
800,000 ACC holders, now considered illegal residents.
-
Additional undocumented individuals, including recent arrivals and those with fake identity documents.
Unofficial estimates suggest the total number could be around three million Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
Read: Government Pushes Digitization for Transparency and Economic Growth
Four Categories of Afghan Refugees
Afghan nationals in Pakistan are grouped into four categories:
-
PoR Card Holders:
Granted official refugee status and issued PoR cards in 2007, around 1.3 million Afghans fall into this group. These cards remain valid until June 30, 2025. -
ACC Holders:
Approximately 800,000 Afghans received ACCs in 2016. Their stay is now deemed illegal under the government’s current policy. -
Post-2021 Arrivals:
Following the Taliban’s return to power, many Afghans fled to Pakistan. While the Pakistani government estimated 600,000 arrivals, UNHCR confirms only 200,000 were officially registered. -
Undocumented Individuals:
This group includes Afghans without PoR or ACC status, some of whom have married in Pakistan or obtained fake IDs. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is actively cancelling such documents.
Call for Dialogue with Kabul
CM Gandapur emphasized that the only productive path forward with Afghanistan is through negotiation and dialogue. He expressed frustration with the federal government for delaying the approval of Terms of Reference (TORs) that would allow KP to send a jirga to Kabul. This delegation aims to address cross-border security issues and build better cooperation.
A Regional Approach to Stability
Highlighting the importance of regional peace, the CM said, “Stability in the region is directly linked to peace in Afghanistan.” He asserted that his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), holds effective solutions to counter terrorism and improve border security.
In response to criticism from the federal government about a possible resurgence of militancy, Gandapur labeled such accusations as “irresponsible,” urging for national unity instead of blame.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
