Pakistan likely to extend stay of Afghan refugees by six months

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) PESHAWAR: The Afghan refugees staying in Pakistan may get another extension of six months as the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) has sent a summary in this regard to the federal cabinet.

The duration of stay for Afghan refugees in Pakistan will expire on 31 December. However, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) has requested Pakistan to extend that duration. Sources said a meeting of the Foreign, Interior and SAFRON ministries was held in this regard during which it was decided to extend the stay of Afghan refugees by six months. The federal cabinet is expected to approve the summary sent by the SAFRON Ministry during its next meeting.

According to official record, Pakistan is currently hosting 1.9 million Afghan refugees including 1.3 million registered and 600,000 unregistered refugees. Registration process has been launched recently for unregistered refugees.

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