By Hafiz Ullah Sherani :
Islamabad : The Interior Ministry of Pakistan has issued an official notification announcing a significant decision regarding the return of Afghan citizens holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. According to the notification, the voluntary return process for PoR card holders has commenced immediately, while the phased return of remaining Afghan citizens will start from September 1, 2025. This decision follows a high-level meeting taking into account security concerns and increasing pressure on resources.
The return of Afghan citizens holding Afghan Citizen Cards will continue as per the existing IFRP (Integrated Forced Return Plan) guidelines. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating closely with international organizations, the Afghan interim government, and UNHCR to facilitate this process.
The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON will provide complete data of PoR holders to provincial and district committees. NADRA will manage the deregistration of returnees at transit areas and border terminals, while FIA will facilitate the return process at designated border crossing points.
All provincial governments and relevant agencies have been directed to fully map PoR holders and submit provincial action plans to the Interior Ministry. The plan includes transit area designation, transportation and financial support arrangements, formation of committees at district and provincial levels, control rooms, hotlines, and complaint cells.
The Foreign National Security Dashboard (FNSD) will monitor the daily progress of the return process. All stakeholders are required to promptly update their focal persons’ details with the Interior Ministry, which has appointed a Security Section Officer as focal person for coordination.
