ISLAMABAD, Jul 8 (APP):The UNHCR’s high level delegation led by UN High Commissioner for R
efugees Filippo Grandi accompanied by Philippa Candler Representative of UNHCR, Pakistan called on Minister for States and Frontier Regions & Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engr A
mir Muqam here on Monday.
The meeting was attended by Secretary SAFRON Zafar Hasan, Joint Secretary R
efugees Agha Waseem Ahmad and Chief Commissioner Afghan R
efugees Muhammad Abbas Khan and other senior officials of Ministry of SAFRON and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a news release said.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Engr A
mir Muqam said that Pakistan acknowledge UNHCR’s continued support for Afgh
an refugees in Pakistan for the past 45 years. He said that Pakistan hosts millions of Afgh
an refugees, providing protection, education and health facilities.
“Currently, there are 1.45 million registered Afghan citizens card holders and this does not include a great number of unregistered Afgh
an refugees and other nationals,” he added.
The Federal Minister Engr A
mir Muqam said that it is a matter of concern that there is decline in support for Afgh
an refugees and development funds for their hosting areas in Pakistan. “We need exclusive, generous and sustainable interventions.
UNHCR’s High Commissioner for R
efugees Filippo Grandi lauded the people and government of Pakistan for hosting Afgh
an refugees fo
r over four decades.
He said that UNHCR will organize a global dialogue likely in October to discuss the issues pertaining to r
efugees. He said that Pakistan would be specially invited at this occasion. He expressed the hope that this event will create a new dimension and avenues for the support of r
efugees across the globe and for the rests.
The high level delegation was comprised of Ms Hai Kyung Jun, Regional Director UNHCR Regional Office, Bangkok, Mr Herve De Villeroche, Special Advisor on Development, UNHCR Geneva Headquarters and Mr Ewan Watson, UNHCR Head of the Global Communication Service.
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