PESHAWAR: Over 200 Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards returned to Afghanistan via Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Tuesday. This follows Pakistan’s renewed call for Afghans to leave the country by September 1, the final deadline for deporting PoR cardholders.
Under the latest phase, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders and undocumented Afghans now have only 26 days to exit Pakistan.
Pakistan launched the expulsion drive in 2023, the same year it saw a spike in militant violence, including suicide attacks. Authorities blamed Afghan nationals for some attacks as number of attackers, either arrested or killed in operations, were found to be Afghan nationals.
The crackdown began with undocumented migrants, mostly Afghans, and later expanded to ACC holders. In June 2025, Pakistan declined to renew PoR cards, turning 1.4 million registered refugees into illegal residents.
Pakistan issued PoR cards in collaboration with UNHCR, recognizing holders as legal refugees. ACC cards went to unregistered Afghans but did not grant refugee status.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Home and Tribal Affairs Department said 213 PoR card holders returned via Torkham, along with 273 ACC holders and 1,070 undocumented Afghans. One more PoR card holder crossed through Angoor Ada, raising the total to 214.
The Interior Ministry confirmed that formal deportations of PoR card holders will start from September 1, while voluntary returns have already begun.
“Afghan nationals holding PoR cards will be repatriated as part of the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP),” the ministry said.
Officials stated the plan aims to reduce undocumented migration and ensure a lawful, regulated immigration system. They assured that the process would respect humanitarian standards, and no mistreatment would occur.
The government has set up food, medical aid, and basic facilities at border points to support returning Afghans.
Authorities urged refugees to return voluntarily before September 1 to avoid legal or administrative action.
Islamabad plans to deport around 3 million Afghans, including 1.4 million PoR card holders and 800,000 ACC holders. Over 1 million Afghans have already left since the crackdown began, according to UNHCR.
Pakistan claims some Afghan refugees are linked to militancy and crime. Analysts view the mass expulsions as pressure on Taliban authorities to crack down on insurgents attacking Pakistani forces in KP and Balochistan.
Also Read: Pakistan to begin deporting Afghan nationals holding PoR cards from September 1
UNHCR has urged Pakistan to stop forced deportations and ensure all returns remain voluntary, gradual, and dignified.
