Islamabad, September 20, 2023 (PPI-OT): UNHCR Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and Pacific Mr. Indrika Ratwatte, called on Minister for Defence, Lt. Gen. Anwar Ali Hyder (Retd) in his office at Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi today. While speaking to visiting dignitary, Minister for Defence expressed that Pakistan attaches great importance to its cooperation with UNHCR and international partners to assist and seek durable solutions for Afghan refugees. He said that despite our numerous challenges as a developing country, Pakistan’s management of Afghan refugees over decades represents a success story. Defence Minister also said we have provided our Afghan brothers with access to educational and medical facilities, as well as commercial services.
The protracted situation of Afghan refugees must not be placed on the backburner; as new crisis emerges on the international arena. The international community must continue to provide adequate and sustained financial support to host countries. Defence Minister also said that support from UNHCR is important to explore avenues for additional financial support to returning refugees and incentivizing their return and reintegration in Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to extend cooperation in the domain of security and other areas of mutual interests.
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