The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss issues relating to refugees particularly those from Afghanistan.
According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry, Grandi and Dar also exchanged views on the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and the UNHCR.
Grandi appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and contributions in hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades and termed it as a remarkable example of the country’s hospitality, the statement read.
He briefed Dar on the agency’s ongoing projects and emphasized on the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation between Pakistan and the UNHCR.
Dar in turn “shared Pakistan’s perspective and priorities with regard to Afghan refugees. He underscored that the new humanitarian situations emerging around the world must not divert the global attention away from the needs of millions of Afghans.”
Both Dar and Grandi “underlined the need for continued demonstration of international solidarity and faithful adherence to the principle of international responsibility and burden-sharing,” the statement read.
Dar and Grandi agreed to continue working closely for the provision of necessary assistance to Afghan refugees, and the implementation of sustainable solutions for their well-resourced, safe and dignified return.
Pakistan has hosted an estimated 1.7 million Afghans for decades, most of whom fled Afghanistan during the 1979-1989 Soviet occupation.
More than half a million others fled to Pakistan after the Islamic Emirate takeover in 2021.
Thousands of these are in Pakistan waiting for resettlement in the United States and elsewhere.
