Refugees

The situation is especially dire for Afghan migrants in Pakistan, where visa renewals have been suspended, and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards invalidated without clear guidance. Migrants are reporting increased police harassment and arbitrary detentions.

Britain has maintained an open stance on limited engagement to support humanitarian aid delivery and address shared concerns over migration and terrorism.

More than one million Afghan refugees in Pakistan are facing a critical moment as their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards expired on end-June this year.

Currently, Afghanistan is in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by the oppressive rule of the Taliban regime.

At the border, families endure sweltering temperatures often topping 40°C, armed with the few belongings they could manage to pack. They find shade under blankets, while signs of malnutrition are evident in children, and many mothers appear worn down and anxious.

Meanwhile, UNHCR alongside partners is working to address the urgent needs of those arriving – food, water, shelter, protection. However its programmes are also under severe strain due to limited funding.

Meanwhile, the de facto authorities have conveyed grievances around frozen assets, sanctions, non-recognition, the need for greater development assistance, and an end to aid dependency.

Andrews reiterated the urgent need to end any forced repatriation of Rohingya refugees, who continue to face the threat of violence, persecution, and other severe human rights violations in their homeland.