ISLAMABAD — July 20, 2025: Over one million Afghan refugees living in Pakistan are facing potential financial losses amounting to billions of rupees following the expiration of their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards on June 30, 2025. Without clarity on their legal status or a renewed registration process, many refugees fear they may be forced to sell their assets—acquired over decades—at significantly reduced prices.
The Pakistani government had earlier announced plans to repatriate all undocumented foreign nationals by November 2023. While around 1.3 million Afghans have since returned to their homeland, approximately 1.6 million remain in Pakistan. The status of those holding expired PoR cards remains uncertain, with authorities considering options including temporary extensions or introducing new visa regulations.
Communities such as the Dostokhail tribe in Peshawar reportedly own assets worth an estimated 52 billion rupees, primarily in movable and immovable properties registered under names other than their own, due to legal restrictions. These refugees also contributed over 51 million dollars in remittances last year. However, current laws prevent them from legally owning property or opening bank accounts in Pakistan.
Advocacy groups are urging the government to develop a permanent and humane solution that protects refugees’ rights to their assets and allows them to continue contributing positively to the country’s economy.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between managing immigration policies and addressing the humanitarian and economic realities faced by long-term refugee populations in Pakistan.
