A delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by Philippa Candler, the head of the agency in Pakistan, met with Sardar Ahmad Shakib, the ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Islamabad.
The meeting, which was also attended by UNHCR Senior External Relations Officer Charlie Goodluck, reviewed the situation of remaining Afghan refugees, students, and other Afghan citizens residing in Pakistan.
Ambassador Shakib appreciated the organization’s close monitoring of the refugees’ conditions and communicating their situation to the international community, but emphasized that the assistance provided so far has not been sufficient.
“Although assistance is limited, it is commendable that UNHCR continues to highlight the problems of refugees,” he added.
Referring to financial constraints, Philippa Candler said that UNHCR is committed to providing the greatest possible support to Afghan refugees despite the challenges.
Charlie Goodlake also announced that the organization will provide approximately $25 million in assistance to refugees returning from Pakistan and Iran in 2025, and that support will continue in coordination with the Afghan government.
The parties concluded by emphasizing the continuation of close cooperation and strengthening coordination in the field of supporting refugees and returnees.
