Pakistan will now issue ‘proof of registration’ in form of smart cards to millions of Afghan refugees living in the country, reported Dawn. Around 40 centres will be set up with the help of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) and the registration will begin from 1 April. 

“This is a long-overdue exercise. It’s been 10 years since the last such initiative. It is crucial at this juncture to update the data of Afghan refugees. I commend the international community for supporting this important exercise,” Saleem Khan, the Chief Commissio­ner for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan, was quoted as saying by Dawn. 

The exercise will continue for around six months. Smart cards will be issued to those refugees whose registration have expired in 2015.

“The new smart cards will provide Afghan refugees with renewed proof of their identity, enhancing their protection in Pakistan, and will help facilitate identity authentication making access to services faster, safer, and more effective” the report stated. 

Appreciating the initiative, Noriko Yoshida, the UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, said this initiative would help improve the lives of the Afghan refugees. The registration, this time, would also collect data regarding their skill sets, educational qualifications, and source of earning.