Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on the international community to acknowledge the burden Pakistan bears in hosting a large refugee population and to demonstrate collective responsibility. During a meeting with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi at the PM House, Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to addressing the protection and safety needs of vulnerable people. He emphasized the socio-economic challenges and security threats Pakistan faces due to its refugee-hosting responsibilities, as stated in a PM Office press release.
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Prime Minister Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s long-standing partnership with UNHCR and appreciated the agency’s support in hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades. He noted that Pakistan has hosted these refugees with exemplary respect and dignity despite numerous challenges. Sharif also sought UNHCR’s assistance in mobilizing adequate resources to support Pakistan’s efforts and urged the UN body to promote durable solutions for Afghan refugees, including safe and dignified return to their homeland and third-country relocation.
UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s generosity in hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the decades. He assured that UNHCR would continue to work closely with Pakistan to meet the basic needs of Afghan refugees. Grandi is on a three-day official visit to Pakistan from July 7-9, 2024.
