UNHCR chief calls on Ishaq Dar

Both sides discussed wide range of issues pertaining to global refugee situation with a particular focus on Afghan refugees

By Mariana Baabar
July 09, 2024
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi (right) and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar (left).— X@FM_office/file
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi (right) and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar (left).— X@FM_office/file 

ISLAMABAD: The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on Monday called on Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar.

Both sides discussed wide range of issues pertaining to the global refugee situation with a particular focus on Afghan refugees. Views were also exchanged on the longstanding cooperation between Pakistan and the UNHCR.

Pakistan at one stage had hosted the largest number of refugees in the world. Dar’s meeting with Grandi comes in the background of Islamabad’s decision to start its second phase of sending back more than 3 million documented and undocumented Afghans out of the country.

Pakistan has once again appealed to sponsor countries to take those Afghan nationals who they had assured resettlement in their countries but appear to have forgotten their pledges. Meanwhile, High Commissioner Grandi appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and contributions in hosting millions of Afghan refugees for decades and termed it a remarkable example of the country’s hospitality.

“He briefed the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on UNHCR’s ongoing projects and emphasised on the importance of sustained engagement and cooperation between Pakistan and the UNHCR,” said the Foreign Office after the meeting.

The deputy prime minister and foreign minister also shared Pakistan’s perspective and priorities with regard to Afghan refugees. He underscored that the new humanitarian situations emerging around the world must not divert the global attention away from the needs of millions of Afghans. “The deputy prime minister and foreign minister also underlined the need for continued demonstration of international solidarity and faithful adherence to the principle of international responsibility and burden-sharing”, added the Foreign Office. Deputy Prime Minister Dar and High Commissioner Grandi agreed to continue working closely for the provision of necessary assistance to Afghan refugees, and the implementation of sustainable solutions for their well-resourced, safe and dignified return.