SHAFAQNA PAKISTAN (Shia News Agency)
According to UNHCR Pakistan hosts almost 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees – still the largest protracted refugee population globally. Almost same number of Afghan refugees living in Pakistan unregistered. Since last three decades Pakistan has been hosting these refugees but after the APS attack, government has taken a strong stance to send them back. But while such actions are being taken, it must be ensured that law-abiding and registered Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan are not scooped up by the dragnet. Dealing with the refugee question has been a daunting task for Pakistan for several decades; even today, there are said to be around 1.6 million registered Afghans in the country, with up to a million illegal refugees. As per the tripartite agreement between Pakistan, Afghanistan and the UNHCR, the refugees can stay in this country till the end of this year. Until there is a permanent solution to their plight, legally registered refugees must not be harassed or forced out, and must be allowed to live with dignity in Pakistan.
As the situation improves it is duty of the Afghan Government to make necessary arrangements for the return of these refugees because Pakistan’s economy cannot host them for long.
pakistan.shafaqna.com
