WEBDESK: The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported a sharp rise in the return of Afghan refugees from Pakistan after the expiry of their registration cards.
According to the latest report, the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will not be extended further. This has led to a 254 per cent rise in voluntary returns and a 191 per cent rise in deportations in August compared to July.
The surge comes as Pakistan entered the third phase of its “Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan”. By 4 September 2025, a total of 531,700 Afghans had returned home. Out of these, 483,700 went back between April and early September.
In August alone, 145,200 Afghans returned. Nearly 55,000 crossed back in just the last four days of the month. The share of registered PoR card holders among returnees has also grown. In April, only 6 per cent of those leaving had PoR cards. From May to July, this share rose to around 21–23 per cent. By August, it had reached 54 per cent, equal to 77,700 people.
Arrests have also increased sharply. Since April, 57,300 Afghans have been detained, including registered PoR card holders. In August, 9,000 were arrested compared to 3,400 in July. Chagai, Pishin, parts of Balochistan, and Islamabad reported the highest numbers.
UNHCR is carrying out biometric registration of returnees in Afghanistan and giving them cash support. This aid is meant to help families who returned suddenly from Pakistan without preparation.
The agency has urged the international community to provide urgent and coordinated support. It said this assistance is needed to help Afghans rebuild their lives and ensure their return is safe and dignified.
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