6 August 2022
Closure of UNHCR Voluntary Repatriation and PoR card Modification (PCM) Centres during Ashura (Muharram)
Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) or UNHCR-issued refugee cards, who are planning to return to Afghanistan from Pakistan under the UN Refugee Agency’s facilitated voluntary repatriation programme are informed, that UNHCR’s Voluntary Repatriation Centres (VRC) in Azakhel, Nowshera and Baleli, in Quetta and the Proof of Registration (PoR) card modification centres will be closed on 8 and 9 August 2022 on account of Ashura (Muharram) and will reopen on Wednesday, 10 August 2022.
Afghan refugees in Pakistan who wish to collect their renewed PoR cards are encouraged to visit after Ashura (Muharram).
As per usual practice, Afghan refugees in Pakistan who wish to proceed through the VRCs after the facilitated returns resume are encouraged to contact the following UNHCR helpline numbers, which are operational between 8am to 8pm, before approaching the centres.
Helpline numbers in Pakistan:
Peshawar Helpline: 0300-858-5600, 03000544491, 03000544492, 0300544496
Quetta Helpline: 0333-1511636. 0333-781-9601
Islamabad-Punjab: 03005018568
Karachi helpline: 03341112008
Emergency contact numbers for Encashment Centres in Afghanistan:
Kabul, Kabul province: 0093 (0)791 990 244
Samarkhel, Nangarhar province: 093 (0) 791990203 or 0093 (0) 791990236
Jamal Mayna, Kandahar province: 0093 (0) 791990368, or 0093 (0) 791990370
Herat, Herat province: 0093 (0) 791990091
Please contact UNHCR Kabul repatriation unit 0093 (0) 791990019 in case the Encashment Centres cannot be reached.
Visit our HELP site for information on asylum in Pakistan