Senior UN Official Seeks Long-Term Solution For Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, called for a long-term solution to the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan at the end of his three-day visit to the country.

Grandi urged Pakistan to extend the Proof of Registration (PoR) cards for Afghan refugees.

On Tuesday, the UNHCR office in Pakistan issued a statement saying, "Wrapping up a three-day visit, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has called for a bolstering of efforts towards longer-term solutions for Afghans in Pakistan, and support for their host communities."

The statement mentioned that the deportation process of illegal migrants from Pakistan has been halted, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees also asked Pakistan not to resume this process.

Grandi also promised that later this year, a meeting with representatives from various countries, development organisations, and the private sector will be held to discuss a solution.

He said that all options, including resettlement in a third country and voluntary return to Afghanistan, are being considered for Afghan refugees.

During the past three days, Filippo Grandi met with senior Pakistani government officials, including the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, as well as several Afghan refugees in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.