ISLAMABAD: The government, with the support of UN refugee agency UNHCR, has opened 11 Proof of Registration Card Modification centres (PRCMC) across the country to facilitate Afghan refugees.

The PRCMC located in Peshawar, Quetta, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Nowshera, Mianwali, Lower Dir, Haripur and Kohat, will serve Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration Cards (PoRC) with an expiry date of June 2023.

Run by the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), these centres will update, correct and modify information pertaining to Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders.

A PRCM centre in Islamabad was formally inaugurated on Thursday by Nadra Chief Project Officer Gohar Ahmed, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Faridullah, and UNHCR Repre­sentative in Pakistan Noriko Yoshida.

Speaking on the occasion, Nadra official said that operations of these centres had been extended to 11 nationwide sites equipped with 80 counters and 140 IT professionals to serve Afghan citizens effectively.

“By virtue of support from UNHCR and other development partners, PoR card holders can register their newborn children and obtain a birth certificate,” he said.

In addition, as part of services offered by these centres, registered children who turn five years of age can avail of their own PoR card.

Faridullah Jan noted that it was a landmark achievement that the data of Afghan refugees had been verified and updated last year.

He appreciated the donor community for their continued support and expressed the hope that these centres would enable refugees to get swift services in their respective areas.

Speaking on the occasion, the UNHCR representative underscored the significance of the identity document which grants legal status and protects Afghan refugees from arbitrary detention and deportation during their stay in Pakistan.

“It is important for Afghan refugees to hold updated cards that help ensure access to health, education and other facilities,” she said.

Published in Dawn, December 23rd, 2022