Conference hall, helpline set up for refugees, host community

PESHAWAR: A conference hall and a helpline were set up here on Monday, with an aim to solve the problems of Afghan refugees and the Pakistani host community.

Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Fareedullah Jan and Head of Development Cooperation (HDC) German Embassy Islamabad Marion Pfennigs, Commissioner Afghan Refugees Muhammad Abbas Khan & Principal Advisor SSARC, GIZ Heidi Hermann were present on the occasion.

The helpline has been established with the support of the German government through GIZ for a quick and effective solution to the problems or grievances faced by both the refugees as well as the Pakistani host community.

The conference hall has also been refurbished and equipped in the commissionerate’s building, which will serve as a resource and community centre for both Afghan Refugee and the host community.

The centre will be used for multiple activities including capacity building courses, cultural and social activities. Speaking on the occasion, Fareedullah Jan applauded the assistance from the German government and GIZ for supporting the government of Pakistan to reach out to the vulnerable Afghan refugees and host community for their welfare and timely support.

The chief commissioner also praised the efforts of the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, KP for coming up with innovative and solution-based approaches in refugee management. Marion Pfennigs lauded the role played by both the government as well as the people of Pakistan for their exemplary hospitality, which has entered its fifth decade.

She said the German governments support this global cause, enabling the government of Pakistan to effectively manage this huge caseload. Abbas Khan highlighted the need for continued future partnership to help overcome basic concerns faced by Afghan refugees and the hosting community in the province.