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The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an essential document for individuals of Pakistani origin who have renounced their Pakistani citizenship and now hold citizenship of another country, such as Afghanistan. For Afghans with Pakistani roots, the POC provides a meaningful way to maintain ties with Pakistan, offering benefits like visa-free entry, indefinite stay, property ownership, and the ability to open bank accounts. This comprehensive guide outlines the step-by-step process for Afghans to apply for a POC,
ensuring they meet all legal requirements and submit the necessary documents. Written in a clear and professional tone, this post is designed to assist both legal professionals and general readers in navigating the application process with ease.
The Pakistan Origin Card (POC) is an identity card issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan. It is intended for individuals who were once Pakistani citizens or whose parents or grandparents held Pakistani citizenship but have since relinquished it. The POC acts as a bridge, allowing holders to reconnect with their heritage while enjoying practical privileges in Pakistan. These privileges include visa-free entry, the right to stay indefinitely, the ability to own and manage property, access to bank accounts, and opportunities to work in Pakistan. For Afghans of Pakistani descent, the POC is a valuable tool to maintain a connection with Pakistan while living abroad.
To apply for a POC, applicants must satisfy specific eligibility conditions based on their connection to Pakistan. Afghans may qualify under the following categories:
Former Pakistani Citizens: Individuals who were once Pakistani nationals but have renounced their citizenship. For example, an Afghan who was born in Pakistan, held a Pakistani passport, and later acquired Afghan citizenship after moving to Afghanistan would be eligible.
Descendants of Pakistani Citizens: Individuals whose parents or grandparents were Pakistani nationals. Consider an Afghan whose father was born in Peshawar and later migrated to Kabul; this person could apply based on their parent’s Pakistani origin.
Foreign Spouses: Foreign nationals married to Pakistani citizens. For instance, an Afghan woman married to a Pakistani man could be eligible for a POC through her marital connection.
Foreign Spouses: Foreign nationals married to Pakistani citizens. For instance, an Afghan woman married to a Pakistani man could be eligible for a POC through her marital connection.
Pakistan restricts POC issuance to citizens of certain countries, such as India, Israel, and Taiwan. However, Afghanistan is not listed among these restricted nations, meaning Afghans who meet the above criteria can apply.
Applying for a POC involves a structured process that requires careful attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for Afghan applicants:
Before proceeding, verify that you meet one of the eligibility criteria outlined above. If there’s any uncertainty—perhaps due to incomplete family records—consult a legal professional or reach out to the Pakistani embassy in Afghanistan for clarification.
Gather all necessary documents to support your application. This includes your Afghan passport, proof of Pakistani origin (such as a birth certificate or a relative’s Pakistani ID), and other paperwork detailed in the next section. Ensure each document is current and authenticated
The POC application form is available through multiple channels: Pakistani embassies, NADRA Swift Registration Centers (SRC), or the official NADRA website (www.nadra.gov.pk). Download or pick up the form and fill it out carefully, ensuring all personal details match your supporting documents.
You have two submission options. Online submission is available via the NADRA Pak Identity website (pakidentity.nadra.gov.pk), where you’ll upload scanned copies of your documents. Alternatively, you can submit your application in person at a NADRA center or the Pakistani embassy. For Afghans, online submission may be more convenient, though in-person submission allows for immediate clarification of any issues.
After submission, biometric verification is required. This involves visiting a NADRA center or embassy to provide fingerprints and photographs. For Afghans living outside Pakistan, coordinating with the embassy in Kabul or another location is essential to complete this step.
The application requires a fee, the amount of which varies. Check the NADRA website or contact the embassy for the current rate, and pay it through the designated method. Retain the payment receipt as proof, as it may be requested during processing.
Processing times can range from weeks to months, depending on the volume of applications and verification requirements. Apply well ahead of any planned travel to Pakistan, and monitor your application status online or through NADRA’s customer service. For Afghans, additional steps may arise, such as providing an Afghan passport or extra proof of Pakistani ties. Contacting the embassy early can help identify any unique requirements.
A successful POC application hinges on submitting the correct documents. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Afghan applicants might also need:
All documents must be authenticated by relevant authorities and, if in Pashto or another language, translated into English or Urdu.
Several authorities play key roles in the POC application process:
NADRA: The National Database and Registration Authority is the primary body responsible for issuing POCs. It oversees application processing, biometric verification, and card issuance.
Pakistani Embassies: For Afghans, the embassy in Kabul serves as a vital point of contact, providing forms, accepting submissions, and facilitating biometric verification.
Federal Government: The legal framework for POCs falls under federal jurisdiction, guided by laws like the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951.
Provincial Authorities: In regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), provincial regulations may apply to POC holders engaging in specific activities, such as mining under the KPK Mining Concession Rules.
The POC is governed by Pakistan’s federal legal framework, primarily the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951, and the National Database and Registration Authority Ordinance, 2000. NADRA administers these regulations, ensuring compliance with eligibility and documentation standards. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, additional provincial laws may apply. For instance, if a POC holder wishes to invest in mining, they must adhere to the KPK Mining Concession Rules, which govern resource extraction in the province. More broadly, POC holders must comply with Pakistani laws during their stay, including registration with local authorities for extended visits. Notably, the POC does not confer citizenship rights, such as voting or holding a Pakistani passport.
Imagine Ahmad, an Afghan born in Peshawar to Pakistani parents who later moved to Kabul. Now an Afghan citizen, Ahmad wants a POC to visit his relatives in Pakistan freely. He confirms his eligibility through his parents’ Pakistani records, gathers his Afghan passport, his birth certificate, and his parents’ old NICs, and downloads the POC form from NADRA’s website. He submits everything online, visits the embassy in Kabul for biometrics, pays the fee, and, after two months, receives his POC—enabling him to travel to Pakistan without a visa.
Obtaining a Pakistan Origin Card (POC) as an Afghan national is a structured yet achievable process. By fulfilling the eligibility criteria, gathering the necessary documents, and following the correct application procedures, you can gain access to key benefits such as visa-free entry, property ownership, and legal residency in Pakistan. Staying proactive, informed, and seeking legal assistance when needed can make the journey smoother. A POC not only strengthens your legal ties with Pakistan but also allows you to maintain your Afghan heritage with dignity.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and citizenship laws are subject to change. For case-specific guidance or up-to-date legal assistance, please consult a qualified legal professional or reach out to Kakakhel Law Associates. The information provided reflects the legal framework as of October 2023.