Pakistan has decided to extend the stay of 1.3 million unregistered Afghan refugees until March 2024, amid the worsening humanitarian situation in their war-torn country. The caretaker federal cabinet approved the extension on Wednesday, following a request from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
The move comes as a relief for the refugees, who faced the threat of deportation after their proof of residence cards expired on February 3. Many of them have been living in Pakistan for decades, fleeing violence and instability in Afghanistan. They have no legal status or protection in Pakistan, and often face harassment and discrimination.
Pakistan hosts more than 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees, who have access to health, education and other services, as well as some 2 million undocumented Afghans, who are mostly excluded from these facilities. Pakistan is one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world, and has repeatedly urged the international community to share the responsibility and provide more support.
The extension of the stay of the undocumented refugees is seen as a gesture of goodwill and solidarity by Pakistan, which has also pledged to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of those who wish to return to Afghanistan. However, the security and economic conditions in Afghanistan remain dire, with millions of people facing hunger, displacement and human rights violations.
The UNHCR has welcomed Pakistan’s decision and called for more assistance to the refugees and their host communities. It has also appealed for more resettlement opportunities for the most vulnerable refugees, especially women, children and those with special needs.