Minister for SAFRON & Narcotics Control Shehryar Khan Afridi has expressed concerns over the new wave of violence in Afghanistan, saying it may lead towards new flow of refugees into Pakistan.
Afridi expressed these concerns during a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi in Geneva.
Afridi said irrespective of the fast developments taking place in Afghanistan, Pakistan would stand by its commitment for protection of Afghan refugees. Briefing the UN High Commissioner on the measures taken by the Government of Pakistan for the well-being and welfare of Afghan refugees, Afridi asked Filippo Grandi to work on challenges being faced by Pakistan in hosting the Afghan refugees, said a message received here.
Afridi said there was a need for the UNHCR teams to reach out to Afghan refugees staying in camps and provide basic health, education and other amenities.
Sharing his concerns with the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, Afridi said the decrease in UNHCR allocation for Afghan refugees was a source of alarm as refugees already needed more assistance in camps.
Briefing the High Commissioner on humanist approach of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Afridi said the premier had agreed to co-convene Global Refugee Forum (GRF) set for December 2019.
Stressing the UNHCR to accelerate efforts to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees, Afridi said all stakeholders needed to address the impact of refugees faced by host communities. He urged the UNHCR to highlight the contributions of host countries and communities through effective advocacy campaigns.
Afridi told the High Commissioner that Pakistan intends to convene a conference to showcase the 40 years of hospitality of Afghan refugees in February next year and urged the UNHCR to mobilize support for the event.
The minister said Pakistan did not need any assistance for itself, but the UNHCR must be facilitated to help the refugees with basic amenities. Afridi lauded the engagement of Germany and Italy for refugees cause in Pakistan.
UN High Commissioner Grandi deeply appreciated the hospitality and the leadership of Pakistan in hosting Afghan refugees. He said the UNHCR looked forward to welcome Prime Minister Imran Khan at the GRF due in December.
Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2019
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