ISLAMABAD: Japan has contributed one million dollars to Pakistan as assistance for Afghan refugees who have been living in the country for decades.
The contribution was presented by Japanese Ambassador Kuninori Matsuda on behalf of the government and people of Japan during a meeting with Minister of State for SAFRON and Narcotics Control Shehryar Afridi.
The Japanese ambassador said the amount has been paid to the UNHCR and it would be used to help the Afghan refugees and Japanese Government highly appreciates steps taken by Pakistan to fight Coronavirus outbreak. He said Pakistan has been hosting Afghan refugees generously for forty long years especially the children and streamlined them with Pakistani children.
Appreciating the peace process in Afghanistan, the ambassador said Japan would like to become a part of the development process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and also assist in rebuilding efforts in Afghanistan.
On the occasion, Shehryar Afridi expressed gratitude to the government and people of Japan for helping out the Afghan refugees. He said this contribution would go a long way in helping the Afghans affected by lockdown. He said Pakistan has provided equal opportunities to Afghans as enjoyed by its own people and they have been mainstreamed in society.