Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister Pervez Khattak has termed the registration of Afghan refugees as inevitable saying that it is in the larger interest of the region. "Real problem is not refugees, but unregistered foreigners hence serious steps must be taken to prevent them, he said this talking to Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Omar Zakhilwal at Chief Minister's Secretariat on Thursday.
Chief Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amjad Ali Khan, Secretary Home, Inspector General of Police, Commissioner Peshawar and other concerned authorities were also present on the occasion. During the meeting, the Chief Minister and the Afghan ambassador discussed overall situation in the region, repatriation of Afghan refugees and other issues of mutual interest.
The Afghan Ambassador appreciated the co-operation of the KP government and particularly of the KP Police in the resolution of the problems of Afghan refugees and said that he himself wanted honourable repatriation of refugees to Afghanistan, but due to unpleasant security situation they return back to Pakistan. He assured prevention to such kind of situation.
Mr Pervez Khattak said that knowing the gravity of the situation, both governments should shoulder their responsibilities. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Nasir Khan Durrani briefed on prevailing law and order situation, threats and security requirements. He said that no discriminatory treatment was accorded to refugees during checking. He said any Pakistani lacking National Identity Card (NIC) also had to face legal proceeding.
The Afghan ambassador assured all kind of co-operation and measures for restoration of peace in the region, improvement in communication between both parties and mitigation of difficulties. Meanwhile, a spokesman of the KP government Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani said that instead of extension in the stay of Afghan refugees, the federal government should evolve schedule for their honourable return.
He said that about 1.2 million registered Afghan refugees had been staying for a long time in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said around 1.2 million illegal Afghan immigrants were also staying in the KP. "The KP government doesn't want the expulsion of Afghan refugees with single stroke of pen. The federal government should ensure their repatriation under a comprehensive schedule to their country," he urged.