PESHAWAR: Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), commenced a three-day visit to Pakistan with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by Afghan refugees, a UNHCR spokesperson confirmed on Sunday.
During his visit, Grandi met with delegations of Afghan refugees in Peshawar, where they shared their concerns and issues with him. According to Qaisar Afridi, the UNHCR spokesperson, the discussions centered on the difficulties Afghan refugees encounter while living in Pakistan.
“The UNHCR chief assured Afghan refugees that he would engage with Pakistani officials to address all their concerns,” Afridi stated. The Afghan delegation included both registered refugees and those who arrived in Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021.
Additionally, Grandi held talks with Amir Muqam, Pakistan’s Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), in Peshawar. The SAFRON ministry plays a pivotal role in managing Afghan refugee affairs in Pakistan.
In his discussions with Minister Muqam, Grandi acknowledged Pakistan’s longstanding hospitality towards Afghan refugees despite significant economic challenges. Muqam emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades, highlighting the complexities involved in managing such a large refugee population.
This visit marks Grandi’s first trip to Pakistan since the country announced a plan last October to repatriate “illegal foreigners,” including undocumented Afghan nationals. The repatriation efforts have stirred controversy, with the Taliban in Afghanistan protesting against Pakistan’s decision.
Minister Muqam underscored the global complexities of the refugee issue, attributing them to ongoing conflicts that necessitate international attention and resolution.
The UNHCR delegation, led by Grandi, expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s sustained support to Afghan refugees over the years. Formal discussions between the UN refugee agency and Pakistani officials are scheduled for Monday in Islamabad, marking the second day of Grandi’s visit.
Amid concerns raised by the UNHCR regarding Pakistan’s repatriation policies affecting Afghan refugees, Afghan Refugee Commissioner Abbas Khan clarified that those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) were not being repatriated. He assured that any decisions regarding ACC holders would be made in consultation with Afghanistan and international stakeholders.
Pakistan issued ACC cards to undocumented Afghans in 2017, facilitating their legal status. According to UNHCR data, there are approximately 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan holding Proof of Registration Cards (PoR), underscoring the significant numbers affected by recent policy developments.
As the discussions continue, both Pakistan and the UNHCR aim to navigate the complexities of refugee management while ensuring the protection and well-being of Afghan refugees in the region.
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