disaster
UNHCR-IOM Pakistan Flash update # 97 on Arrest and Detention/Flow Monitoring, 15 Sep 2023 to 6 Jun 2026
By UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb
· June 12, 2026
· 3 min read
Countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan . INTRODUCTION In response to the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) decision of 26 September 2023 to enact an “Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan”, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and IOM, the UN Migration Agency, have collated their data on the arrest, detention, and dep
Key takeaway In July, the GoP issued a Statutory Regulation Order (SRO) directing the repatriation/deportation of PoR card holders following the expiry of PoR card validity on 30 June.
Why this matters
The situation in Pakistan poses significant challenges for Afghan nationals, particularly those with Proof of Registration cards or Afghan Citizen Cards, as well as undocumented individuals. The Pakistani government's directives, including the "Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan" and the Statutory Regulation Order, have created a precarious environment for these individuals, with many facing deportation or repatriation. The data collected by UNHCR and IOM highlights the need for careful consideration of the protection needs of Afghan nationals, especially those with vulnerabilities or particular circumstances. The fact that the figures, especially for undocumented Afghan nationals, are considered underreported raises concerns about the true scope of the issue. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial to monitor the impact of the Pakistani government's policies on Afghan nationals and to ensure that their rights and protection needs are taken into account. The international community, including organizations like UNHCR, will play a critical role in advocating for the welfare of these individuals.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster ·
Published: June 12, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: Pakistan, Afghanistan . INTRODUCTION In response to the Ministry of Interior's (MoI) decision of 26 September 2023 to enact an “Illegal Foreigners' Repatriation Plan”, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and IOM, the UN Migration Agency, have collated their data on the arrest, detention, and dep
When was this published? This article was first published on June 12, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by UN High Commissioner for Refugees at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .