Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called upon the UN Refugee Agency to actively engage in fostering a durable resolution for the plight of Afghan refugees, including their safe and dignified return and reintegration, or relocation to third countries. During his meeting in Islamabad with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Sharif emphasized the need for international recognition of Pakistan’s longstanding support to the refugee community and sought further assistance in addressing related challenges.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister highlighted the socio-economic and security challenges Pakistan faces while hosting millions of Afghan refugees. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the protection and safety of vulnerable populations. In response, UNHCR Commissioner Grandi expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its decades-long hospitality and pledged continued collaboration to meet the basic needs of Afghan refugees.