Int’l support to facilitate Afghan refugees sought.

PESHAWAR: NWFP Minister for Law, Human Rights and Parliamentary Affairs Barrister Arshad Abdullah Sunday said that Pakistan particularly NWFP had been a host of afghan refugees for the last 30 years which not only had a negative impact on our economy but also ruined infrastructure as well. He, in this connection appealed the International community to extend all out support in order to share burden the country was bearing despite financial crunch. This, he said, while attending the concluding session of a workshop on "International Protection of Refugees" organized by UNHCR here. Attending by Civil Judges and junior judiciary members, the purpose of this orientation workshop was to briefed the judiciary about the status of refugees, their categorization viz-a-viz to differentiate between the Afghan having valid registration and de-registered Afghans thus to protect the genuine refugees. Arshad Abdullah said that Pakistan being a responsible member of International Community set an example to give refuge to a largest number of population on its soil, it is now the responsibility of International Community to take step for their repatriation, as well as extend all out support to Pakistan. Law Minister appreciated the role of UNHCR in this regard. He also eulogized the support of UNHCR in helping the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Earlier, regional head of UNHCR Peshawar Muhammad Adar highlighted the objectives of the workshop and hailed the role of Pakistan in helping afghan refugees and supporting UNHCR for their safe repatriation. It merits a mention here that UNHCR authorities should shared with participants the contents of MoU signed between Pakistan and UNHCR for the registration of legal repatriation of Afghans, explaining UNHCR's mandate, status of Afghans in Pakistan. The participants were told that Foreign Act is not applicable to afghan having valid registration cards issued by NADRA and only those would face the punishment, who were de-registered or having no valid documents for their stay in Pakistan.