PM Shehbaz Sharif restates Pakistan’s commitment to refugees on World Refugee Day

ISLAMABAD: PM Shehbaz Sharif has reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing support for refugees and urged the international community to share the responsibility of helping host countries and ensuring the safe, dignified return of displaced people.

In his message on World Refugee Day, observed under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe,” the prime minister said Pakistan stands in solidarity with refugees around the world and recognizes their strength, courage, and resilience in difficult circumstances.

He said safety is a basic human right, and helping people forced to leave their homes due to conflict or crises is a shared global duty.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that Pakistan has been hosting refugees for nearly five decades, especially after the arrival of Afghan refugees in 1979. He said Pakistan opened its borders despite limited resources and provided shelter, education, healthcare, and other basic facilities to millions of Afghan refugees.

The prime minister added that Pakistan has remained one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world and has continued to manage refugee welfare over many years. He said a structured and phased repatriation process has been in place since September 2023.

According to him, more than 2.4 million Afghan nationals have returned to their country by June 2026. He said these are not just numbers, but the stories of people who found safety and support in Pakistan during difficult times.

He also acknowledged that hosting large numbers of refugees has placed financial, social, and security pressures on Pakistan. However, he stressed that the responsibility of supporting host countries should be shared globally.

The prime minister said a stable and peaceful Afghanistan is important for the successful reintegration of returning refugees. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s cooperation with international organizations such as the UNHCR and IOM in this process.

He praised the people of Pakistan for their generosity and hospitality, saying they have shared their resources and services with refugees despite their own challenges.

Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan’s treatment of refugees is a proud example for the world and urged the global community to ensure that displaced people are given hope and the opportunity to return home with dignity instead of living in permanent exile.