OVERVIEW

Millions of Afghans sought refuge in neighboring countries due to prolonged conflict and instability. Among them was the family of Ghulam Farooq Mohammadi, who fled to Pakistan nearly three decades ago. After returning to Afghanistan in March 2025, Ghulam Farooq faced serious challenges due to the lack of legal identity documents, which prevented him from registering property, enrolling his children in school, and accessing basic services.

UNHCR CIVIL DOCUMENTS PROGRAMME – HERAT PROVINCE

As part of UNHCR’s Civil Documents Programme, implemented by its partner ARAA, awareness sessions and legal counseling were conducted in Injil District of Herat Province. During these sessions, Ghulam Farooq Mohammadi—a 26-year-old recent returnee—learned about the importance of legal identity and the procedures for obtaining Afghan National ID Cards (Tazkira). Ghulam Farooq was born and raised in Pakistan after his family fled Afghanistan due to internal conflict. He is married to Saleema (also 26 years old) and is the father of five children: Nasir (8), Zia-ul-Haq (5), Bibi Wasila (4), Iqbal (2), and Bilal (1). The family currently resides in Dasht Kohdistan, Injil District, in temporary housing provided by a local benefactor. Eight years ago, while still in Pakistan, Ghulam Farooq sent his savings to relatives in Herat to purchase a 300m² plot of land. However, due to not having a Tazkira, the land was registered under someone else’s name. Upon returning to Afghanistan, this lack of documentation continued to block his access to essential services and legal rights.

APPROACH

ARAA’s legal team provided tailored legal advice and support to Ghulam Farooq under the Civil Documents Programme:

• He was guided and helped to first obtain Afghan National ID Cards for himself and his family.
• Legal assistance was provided to help him transfer the land ownership into his name through the official property registration system.
• His children were subsequently enrolled in the local school.

All steps were supported through UNHCR’s financial assistance and ARAA’s legal facilitation.

CONCLUSION

Ghulam Farooq’s case demonstrates the transformative impact of UNHCR’s Civil Documents Programme. With legal identity restored, he now holds rightful ownership of his property, and his children have access to education and basic services.

Prepared by:

Mohammad Mahdi Howaida

Lawyer at ARAA