Amid tensions: Thousands of Afghans throng facilitation centres across city

1,164 families have returned to Afghanistan during current year

PESHAWAR: Growing tension between Islamabad and Kabul has forced thousands of Afghans to visit UNHCR facilitation centre in the city.

These centres are set up for Afghans to either update their Proof of Registration (POR) cards or to register for voluntary repatriation. Most Afghan nationals are visiting these centres to induct their children or close relatives who, they claim, were ignored or forgotten during the first registration between 2004 and 2005.

Said Nabi, who stood outside a modification center in Chamkani, told The Express Tribune he reached the centre at around 3am. “My efforts were of no avail as policemen only allowed those people to go inside who were offering them bribes,” he said.



Shabir, a NADRA official, denied allegations of accepting bribes and favouritism. He said between 500 to 600 Afghan nationals visit the centres. He added NADRA has stopped including adults in POR. According to the official, NADRA is only issuing duplicate cards to those people who have either lost their card or have changed their addresses.

The officials informed this reporter that after Eidul Fitr holidays, 86 families have left for Afghanistan.

During the current year, 1,164 families returned to Afghanistan.

“Only registered Afghan national are given UNHCR standard repatriation package,” said Samad, a UNHCR official.

A large number of unregistered Afghan nationals in Peshawar and its surrounding areas intend to repatriate but lack resources.

Gulab Said, who resides in the city, told The Express Tribune, “How is it possible for me to go back as I cannot afford transportation charges and have no source of livelihood in Afghanistan.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 14^th, 2016.