Indrika Ratawatte, the regional director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), along with Country Representative UNHCR Wednesday called on Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Sahibzada Mehboob Sultan and discussed with him the efforts being made to facilitate the well being and repatriation of Afghan refugees and their subsequent resettlement in Afghanistan.
Secretary SAFRON Pervez Ahmed Junejo and Chief Commissioner Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan were also present.
The minister said Pakistan has generously hosted Afghan Refugees for the last 4 decades but the burden of refugees on the economy of Pakistan in wake of limited global assistance is increasing day by day. He said that though Pakistan was already facing economic issues, still it was making maximum funding to help facilitate the Afghan refugees.
He said that repatriation process of Afghan refugees must be facilitated and expedited at the earliest. "The plan of Govt of Afghanistan to apply for an online e-tazkara for Afghan citizen in Pakistan is highly encouraging and hope that it helps fasten the process of documentation and help in their smooth returns," said Mehboob Sultan.
Indrika highly appreciated the role played by SAFRON in helping the Afghan refugees.
He mentioned that during his visit of Afghanistan he met head of women's chambers of commerce who remained refugee in Pakistan and meanwhile received her education from university in Peshawar. He said that this Afghan woman is the proof that Pakistan has been playing an important role in providing Afghan refugees with skill sets necessary for nation building.
Minister SAFRON also urged the UNHCR and global partners to give due importence to the Afghan refugees issues and to work sincerely for its early solution, where the most viable option is their safe and dignified return to their home country.
Both sides resolved to work towards the common objective of Refugees' wellbeing and their early and safe return to their home country.
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