ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has underscored Pakistan’s commitment towards dignified return of Afghan refugees.
The resolve was reiterated by the foreign minister when he held a meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Filippo Grandi and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator & the Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Mark Lowcock in Islamabad on Thursday.
The foreign minister discussed the Afghan refugee situation with Filippo Grandi and Mark Lowcock, and shared Pakistan’s perspective and priorities with regard to Afghan refugees including within the overall global and regional context.
The foreign minister underlined the need for continued demonstration of international solidarity, based on the long-standing principle of shared responsibility.
The UNHCR Filippo Grandi expressed deep appreciation for Pakistan’s generosity and hospitality in hosting millions of Afghan refugees for four decades.
Filippo Grandi briefed the foreign minister on UNHCR’s role in the follow-up of the Global Compact on Refugees especially with respect to exploring avenues for enhanced funding streams for refugee hosting countries.
The High Commissioner also agreed to work with Pakistan and Afghanistan for building support and mobilizing financing for Afghan refugees and host communities.
The UNHCR Filippo Grandi accompanied by Mark Lowcock earlier in the day reached Islamabad for a four-day visit to Pakistan from September 6 to 9.
FM discusses Afghan refugee situation with Fillipo Grandi-@UNHCR and Mark Lowcoc-UnderSecretaryGeneral @UNOCHA. FM underscored Pakistan’s commitment towards dignified return of refugees. UNHCR and UNOCHA acknowledges Pakistan’s longstanding hospitality and generosity
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) September 6, 2018
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Mr. Filippo Grandi will visit Pakistan from 6-9 September, 2018. He will be accompanied by USG for UN OCHA and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. Mark Lowcock. @RefugeesChief @UNReliefChief
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@ForeignOfficePk) September 6, 2018
