Beyond Boundaries, a Pak-Afghan track 1.5/II initiative, led by Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), Islamabad, calls upon the Government of Pakistan to expedite decision on Afghan refugees’ stay in Pakistan. This is in pursuance of Pakistan Government’s policy decision on February 07, 2017, relating to the management of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Additional steps approved by the Cabinet included extension in validity of the Proof of Registration Cards of 1.3 million Afghan refugees, documentation of Afghan nationals without any identification, adoption of a national refugee law, and a visa regime for different categories of Afghan nationals.

Beyond Boundaries urges the Government of Pakistan to allow Afghan refugees’ stay in Pakistan up to 31 December, 2018, to end the nebulous nature of their fate. Any delay in extension only exposes the refugees to avoidable excesses and harassment by relevant departments / agencies.

CRSS and Beyond Boundaries also appeal to the government for swift implementation of the new visa regime.

Together these steps will generate much-needed goodwill, help overcome angst and clear uncertainty regarding the fate of refugees, in addition to improving precarious Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.