ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan struggles with significant economic problems, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the international community to acknowledge Pakistan’s efforts in providing refuge to Afghan refugees and show a sense of collective responsibility.
The prime minister made these comments on Tuesday during a meeting with Filippo Grandi, the UNHCR’s representative for Pakistan, who is visiting the country from July 7–9.
PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to meeting the needs of those in vulnerable situations for safety and protection during the meeting.
He also emphasized the necessity for the international community to take into consideration Pakistan’s socioeconomic difficulties and security risks in this respect.
The prime minister acknowledged Pakistan’s longtime cooperation with UNHCR and expressed gratitude for the organization’s assistance to Islamabad in providing shelter to Afghan refugees for more than 40 years.
He said Pakistan had treated Afghan refugees with extraordinary dignity and respect, in spite of many obstacles.
In addition to urging the UN agency to play its part in promoting long-term solutions to address the situation of Afghan refugees, including through safe and dignified return and reintegration in their homeland as well as third-country relocation, PM Shehbaz asked for the UNHCR’s assistance in mobilizing sufficient resources to support Pakistan’s efforts.
The UN High Commissioner conveyed appreciation to Pakistan for its kindness and hospitality in providing shelter to millions of Afghan refugees over the course of several decades, and gave the assurance that UNHCR would keep collaborating closely with Pakistan to meet the basic needs of the Afghan refugees.
