Refugees

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.

The Afghan caretaker government is working to assist the sudden influx of returnees. Local officials in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces have been coordinating transportation to help families return to their hometowns.

The refugees contended that despite possessing valid documentation authorising their stay in Pakistan, they were being targeted in the expulsion drive, detained without cause, and in some cases deported.