KABUL (SW) – Second vice president Sarwar Danish told the International Conference on 40 Years of Hosting Afghan Refugees in Pakistan, that refugee camps have been used to train terrorists.
Addressing the moot on Tuesday, he said though the host countries did face some pressure due to hosting so many refugees, but Afghan refugees have played pivotal role in the economic development, particularly in the infrastructure sector. He stressed the refugees should not be used for political leverage.
The vice president stressed the refugees should be given their due rights, and they should not be pressurized or harassed. Danish suggested work should be expedited to voluntarily repatriate the refugees in a dignified manner. He urged the UN to play its role in ensuring sustainable repatriation and integration of refugees in their home countries rather than relying on one-time cash payment to them upon return.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Sunday began a three-day visit to Pakistan. He said the UN remains committed to supporting an inclusive and Afghan-led peace process that upholds the human rights of all citizens and leads to a sustainable peace in Afghanistan.
Based on the estimates, there are some 2.4 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
ENDS
