PM Shahbaz Sharif urges global recognition of Pakistan’s role in hosting Afghan refugees

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today, the 9th of July 2024 urged the international community with the help of the UN to recognise the refugee crisis being handled by Pakistan while hosting such a large refugee population from its neighbouring country Afghanistan. He also urged to demonstrate collective responsibility against the issue along with unity and brotherhood.

In a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi at the Prime Minister House, the Pak PM reassured Pakistan’s commitment to address the protection and safety needs of the refugees who have gathered from Afghanistan due to the conflict affected regions.

He further stated in an official press release that the international community should be mindful of the socio economic challenges and hardships that his country is facing.

Pakistan has long been into a partnership with UNHCR and the agency has always come in support for the country whenever in times of need. Pak has been hosting Afghan refugees with proper dignity and respect for four decades now.

In order to continue, the Pak PM urged UNHCR to support his country so that he can continue to support the refugees by providing enough support and aid in this regard. He also asked if the organisation can provide a safe passage for returning Afghan families stuck here for generations so that they can go back to their homeland or to any other country for relocation purposes.

Responding to this, the UN High Commissioner expressed gratitude for Pak’s efforts and hospitality in this regard and assured that UNHCR would continue to work with his government to fulfil the basic needs of the Afghan refugees.

Filippo Grandi is on a 3 day official visit to Pakistan from July 7th to July 9th 2024.