Islamabad: The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar today to discuss the global refugee situation, focusing particularly on Afghan refugees. This meeting underscored the ongoing challenges and the collaborative efforts required to address the refugee crisis.

According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement issued on 08 July 2024, High Commissioner Grandi lauded Pakistan for its longstanding and generous hosting of millions of Afghan refugees, describing it as a testament to the country’s enduring hospitality. He briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on the UNHCR’s current projects and stressed the importance of continued partnership between Pakistan and the UNHCR to support these initiatives.

Deputy Prime Minister Dar articulated Pakistan’s position and priorities regarding the Afghan refugee situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining global attention on the plight of Afghans despite new humanitarian crises emerging worldwide. He called for sustained international solidarity and adherence to the principles of shared responsibility and burden-sharing.

The leaders agreed to further strengthen their cooperation to provide necessary assistance to Afghan refugees and to work towards sustainable, safe, and dignified solutions for their return.