The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised serious concerns over Pakistan’s decision to repatriate Afghan refugees, including those holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, under its ongoing "Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan."

On July 31, Pakistani authorities confirmed the continuation of repatriations. In the days that followed, UNHCR received alarming reports of arrests and detentions of Afghans nationwide, including many who possess valid PoR cards, granting them refugee status for decades.

While acknowledging Pakistan’s decades-long hospitality toward Afghan refugees, UNHCR warned that forcibly returning individuals with recognized international protection status violates the principle of non-refoulement and contradicts the country’s own long-standing humanitarian policies.

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The agency expressed particular concern for vulnerable groups, especially women and girls, whose basic rights remain under threat in Afghanistan. UNHCR urged that any returns must be voluntary, safe, and carried out in dignity.

UNHCR welcomed Pakistan’s recent announcement of a one-month grace period and continues to advocate for an extension of PoR card validity. The agency strongly appealed for exemptions from deportation for Afghans with ongoing protection needs, including those with health conditions, students in higher education, and individuals in mixed marriages.

UNHCR reiterated its willingness to assist the government in developing proper mechanisms to support these populations.

With over 2.1 million Afghans returning or being forced to return to their country this year, 352,000 from Pakistan alone, UNHCR warned that such large-scale, unplanned returns are placing additional strain on Afghanistan’s already overstretched services and increasing regional instability.