ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir Affairs, and Gilgit Baltistan, Engr. Amir Muqam, emphasized Pakistan’s enduring status as the world’s largest host of refugees, spanning four decades, and urged the international community to acknowledge and address this significant burden.
During discussions with a delegation led by Ms. Mio Sato, Chief of Mission for the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Pakistan, the federal minister lauded the IOM’s efforts in providing essential services to Afghan citizens and the host community.
Accompanied by Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Mohammad Abbas Khan and senior officials, Federal Minister Engr. Amir Muqam underscored the importance of continued support in crucial sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. He articulated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating the dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland, emphasizing the absence of forced expulsion or harassment incidents.
Stressing the need for comprehensive screening to ascertain refugees’ whereabouts and activities, he highlighted the positive contributions of Afghan refugees to Pakistan’s economy and society, particularly in business ventures beneficial to both nations.
Engr. Amir Muqam disclosed plans to travel to Geneva in June at the invitation of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where he intends to engage with the Director-General of the IOM. The Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) and the IOM pledged to maintain regular communication to address ongoing refugee-related challenges.
In response, Chief of Mission Mio Sato expressed gratitude for the federal minister’s engagement and reiterated the IOM’s commitment to fostering close collaboration with the ministry, underscoring the importance of sustained dialogue and cooperation in addressing refugee needs.
The interaction highlights Pakistan’s continued advocacy for international recognition and support in managing the protracted refugee situation, underscoring the imperative of collective action to alleviate the humanitarian challenges faced by both Afghan refugees and host communities. As Pakistan navigates the complexities of refugee management, sustained engagement with multilateral organizations like the IOM remains pivotal in advancing collaborative solutions and promoting the well-being of vulnerable populations.
