The fate of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is at the forefront of discussions in the federal cabinet meeting scheduled for today. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised concerns with the UN High Commission for Refugees regarding the slow progress in relocating Afghan refugees who had worked for the US and its allies, with only 9,000 out of 70,000 being resettled in a third country over the past three years.
The meeting follows a visit by UNHCR Commissioner Filippo Grandi, who emphasized the importance of extending the Proof of Residence (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees to ensure their legal stay in Pakistan. He also urged for a collective effort to address the protracted displacement situation and support the host communities.
As Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees for over 45 years, there is a need to explore sustainable solutions beyond voluntary repatriation, including third-country resettlement. Mr. Grandi offered to facilitate a dialogue among key stakeholders to develop comprehensive solutions for the benefit of Afghans in Pakistan and the host country.
Efforts towards creating conducive conditions for voluntary returns to Afghanistan are also underway, aiming to provide Afghan refugees with access to essential services and job opportunities for a sustainable transition.
Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2024