A number of Afghan refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) in Pakistan have voiced concerns over increasing challenges, emphasizing that their stay is legal and that they should not be forcibly deported.
The Pakistani government has set March 31 as the deadline for these refugees to leave the country, sparking anxiety among Afghan communities.
“Refugees holding ACC cards are not illegal. They have been living here for the past 25 years,” said Malik Awal Shinwari, an Afghan refugee in Pakistan.
Mohammad Reza Sazish, another refugee, urged international organizations to intervene.
“We hope that all responsible institutions and human rights organizations will come to the aid of refugees in Pakistan,” he stated.
Refugee rights activists stress that host countries must adhere to international commitments.
“The UNHCR needs to hold a meeting with both sides and establish a clear policy regarding these refugees,” said Ehsan Khan Ahmadzai, a refugee rights activist.
Beyond Pakistan, Afghan refugees in Iran and Turkey are also facing hardships. The Islamic Emirate has repeatedly urged host nations to avoid politicizing migration and to halt forced deportations.
According to UN data, over 800,000 Afghan refugees in Pakistan hold Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC), while around 1.3mn others are officially registered with the Pakistani government under separate Proof of Registration (PoR) cards. Pakistan’s new directive has yet to specify how PoR cardholders will be impacted.
Earlier, Japan and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a $6mn agreement to support forcibly displaced Afghans, including returning refugees and their host communities.
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