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NEW YORK: Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi emphasised the need for sustained engagement, renewal of developmental partnerships, and provision of unconditional humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
The foreign minister held a meeting with Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on the sidelines of the 76th session of United Nations General Assembly.
The foreign minister outlined Pakistan’s efforts in supporting the humanitarian operations in Afghanistan including by facilitating the evacuation and relocation of international staff, establishment of a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of relief goods, and in-kind assistance for their Afghan brethren through air and land routes.
He underscored to High Commissioner Grandi the importance of peace and economic stability in Afghanistan, which requires sustained engagement of the international community, both in terms of political and financial support.
While appreciating the support given by UNHCR for the welfare of more than 3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, the foreign minister emphasised the importance of adequate, predictable, regular and sustainable financial contribution from the international community.
High Commissioner Grandi acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts and agreed with the need for increasing support for the host communities on the principle of international burden and responsibility sharing.
High Commissioner Grandi briefed the foreign minister on his recent visit to Kabul, Mazar Sharif and Islamabad, Pakistan, as well as the steps being taken by UNHCR to address the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.
Met with @FilippoGrandi & reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to upholding the principles of humanity. Pakistan continues to host one of the largest refugee populations in the world and is also continuing to facilitate all humanitarian efforts being undertaken in #Afghanistan. #UNGA pic.twitter.com/M63hfstQOZ
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) September 22, 2021
Earlier this month, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at General Headquarters.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), matters of mutual interest, regional security, the current situation in Afghanistan and collaboration in humanitarian assistance were discussed during the meeting.
On the occasion, the army chief reiterated the need for convergence of global efforts to avert humanitarian and refugee crisis in Afghanistan. He also appreciated the role of UNHCR in promoting the UN core values and their response during crises.
The military’s media wing said that the visiting dignitary acknowledged Pakistan’s effort for hosting 4 million Afghan refugees for over four decades.
“Grandi also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the Afghan situation including the provision of humanitarian aid/assistance and pledged to play their role for further improvement in cooperation with Pakistan at all levels”, the statement added.
