Over 1 million Afghans issued with smart cards by Islamabad

Pakistan issued smart cards to over 1 million Afghan refugees, following a registration process updating data from the past 10 years. The cards contain biometric data and grant access to services like education and health. Valid until June next year, these cards were issued after efforts to enhance border security and verification processes.

The Pakistani federal government has reported that it issued smart cards to over 1 million nationals who are refugees in Pakistan. This follows a month-long registration exercise during which data from the past 10 years was verified and updated. After the verification exercise, the Afghani nationals were issued with cards containing biometric data. The cards will enable them to access services such as education, health, banking and housing.  They will be valid till 30 June next year. Earlier in June, Pakistan’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar had directed the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) to install the Integrated Border Management System (IBMS) at Torkham border. This would facilitate swift verification of  travel documents.