The Senate’s Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) was informed that approximately 2.9 million Afghan nationals are currently residing in Pakistan, with 1.4 million registered and 0.7 million unregistered refugees.
During a meeting held at the Parliament House on Friday, Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees briefed the committee, chaired by Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, on the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The discussion covered ongoing humanitarian assistance, including provisions for shelter, food, water, sanitation, education, and healthcare.
The committee was also updated on the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas Programme (RAHA), which was discontinued in 2024 due to a lack of funding. Senators Saadia Abbasi and Syed Masroor Ahsan emphasized the need to mobilize international support to secure funding for Afghan refugee projects and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
It was disclosed that $40 million has been allocated to Pakistan for technical support in areas such as NADRA, FIA, passport services, capacity building, and awareness programs for Afghan refugees. Additionally, $10 million has been designated for SAFRON’s technical assistance efforts.
Afghan refugee students have been granted 14 reserved seats in educational institutions and are provided with free healthcare services in hospitals.
Regarding voluntary repatriation, the committee was informed that the highest number of Afghan refugees returned to their homeland between 2002 and 2024. The Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees (CCAR) is currently working in collaboration with UNHCR, GIZ, and JICA to provide technical and social support for Afghan refugees.
SAFRON representatives highlighted challenges in securing international funding, noting a decline in financial support from global organizations. The committee reiterated that Pakistan’s current policy prioritizes the smooth repatriation of Afghan refugees, acknowledging that the process requires a coordinated approach among all stakeholders.
To assess the impact and progress of refugee welfare projects, the committee decided to hold its next meeting in Quetta. The session was attended by Senators Saadia Abbasi, Khalida Ateeb, Masroor Ahsan, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions, the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, and senior officials from relevant departments.
