Pakistan Considers Six-Month Extension for Afghan Refugees with PoR Cards

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has moved forward with a proposal to extend the legal stay of Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards by six months, sources confirmed on Saturday.

The recommendation was presented to the federal cabinet following a high-level meeting attended by officials from the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and security agencies.

The participants discussed whether to grant a three- or six-month extension and agreed to recommend the longer option.

According to the briefing, a large number of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan were born in the country and currently own businesses and property. Officials noted these individuals require additional time to manage the sale of assets and settle their affairs before returning to Afghanistan.

The proposed extension is intended to provide a smoother transition and safeguard the livelihoods of Afghan refugees, many of whom have lived in Pakistan for decades.

If approved by the cabinet, the extension would allow refugees to maintain their legal status and reduce the risk of forced or chaotic repatriation.

Pakistan hosts one of the world’s largest refugee populations, and its policies toward Afghan nationals have significant humanitarian and regional security implications.