Pakistan to begin registration of Afghans from next month

Pakistan will start the process of registration of Afghans, who were enumerated in the 2005 census of the country, and will issue them identity cards, UN refugee agency has said.

Those registered will receive a Proof of Registration (PoR) card that recognises them as Afghan citizens living in Pakistan, a statement from United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said yesterday.

The PoR card -- valid for next three years -- will be only for identity purposes and will not confer any additional rights or status.

Only Afghans, who arrived in Pakistan after December 1, 1979, and were included in February-March 2005 Census by the Pakistan government will be eligible for registration.

No fees will be charged for the registration process. Those with a Pakistani national identity card do not qualify, it said.

It is mandatory for all Afghans enumerated through the Census to participate in the execrise, failing which they could be penalised.

The nationwide registration is scheduled to start on October 15 and will last for 10 weeks.

UNHCR will assist the Pakistani government to mobilise resources for registration which will cost over USD six million, the statement said.

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