Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
• GoP extends legal status for Afghan refugees through June 2018
• Humanitarian NGOs continue operations while awaiting registration decisions from the GoP
• USG responds to needs of vulnerable IDPs, returnees in FATA and KPk
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
• In February, the Government of Pakistan (GoP) extended the validity of Proof of Registration (PoR) cards granting legal residency to Afghan refugees in the country through June 30; however, UN agencies continue to report that uncertainty regarding long-term refugee status and GoP timelines for refugee returns could hinder safe, sustainable, and voluntary returns. An estimated 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees remained in Pakistan as of late January, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
• As of December 2017, more than 29,000 households remained displaced in Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPk) Province due to conflict between GoP forces and militant groups, the UN reports. Approximately 332,400 households returned to FATA from KPk in 2017.
• The U.S. Government (USG) continues to respond to the needs of populations affected by conflict and natural disasters throughout Pakistan by supporting partners to provide food, shelter, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) assistance.