Federal Minister Highlights Pakistan’s Role in Supporting Refugees, Calls for International Recognition

Islamabad, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions, Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan, Engr. Amir Muqam, emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing role in hosting the world’s largest refugee population for over four decades. In discussions with a delegation from the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM), led by Chief of Mission Ms. Mio Sato, Muqam highlighted the significant contributions of Afghan refugees to Pakistan’s economy and society, and called for increased international support in health, education, and infrastructure.

According to Press Information Department, the minister praised the IOM’s efforts in assisting Afghan refugees and the local communities in Pakistan. He also expressed a commitment to ensuring that Afghan refugees can return to their country with dignity, noting the absence of forced expulsions or harassment. The minister revealed plans for a June visit to Geneva to engage with the UNHCR and IOM further, underscoring the need for ongoing international collaboration to manage refugee situations effectively.