ISLAMABAD: A proposal to prolong the stay of Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan with Proof of Residence (PoR) cards by up to six months has been forwarded to the federal cabinet for approval.
Sources indicate that a high-level meeting was convened to review the situation of Afghan refugees holding PoR cards. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (Safron), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Ministry of Interior, as well as security agencies.
During the discussions, the possibility of granting an extension ranging from three to six months for the legal stay of PoR cardholders was examined. It has been confirmed that a recommendation for a six-month extension is likely to be submitted for cabinet approval.
The briefing highlighted that a considerable number of Afghan nationals were born in Pakistan and currently own businesses and properties within the country. It was also noted that these individuals need additional time to finalize their property transactions and wind up their business operations, which underpins the rationale for proposing an extension of their stay.
