ISLAMABAD, Aug 8: The National Database Registration Authority (Nadra) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Unhcr) on Tuesday singed a contract for registration of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.

It was informed during the agreement signing ceremony that under the contract, Nadra would register the population of 2.6 million Afghan refugees, as per the census of Pakistan Population Census Organization carried out in February-March last year.

According to reports about 100,000 Afghan nationals are residing only in Islamabad for over 25 years.

The authority would also issue proof of registration cards to all Afghans above five years of age. Children under five years of age would be included on the cards of their parents.

The pilot project is expected to start in November followed by full scale registration of Afghans living in Pakistan. The Unhcr would facilitate Nadra with funds for the exercise which would cost $6 million. The Unhcr Deputy Representative Michael J. Zwack and Nadra representative Brig (retired) Anwer Khan signed the agreement.

Interior Secretary Syed Kamal Shah, Safron Secretary and Chairman Nadra Brig (retired) Saleem Moeen were also present on the occasion.