Afghan Mela commemorates World Refugee Day

The Society for Human Rights and Prisoner’s Aid (SHARP) organised a one-day festival for Afghan refugees residing in Lahore as a part of the World Refugee Day events. The SHARP Afghan Mela was arranged near an Afghan locality in Manzoor Park. The main objective was to provide entertainment for the less fortune segment of society which does not get a chance to enjoy life due to limited resources. A large number of refugees from scattered localities throughout Lahore and its adjacent areas participated in the Afghan Festival. During the event, Dettol Warriors gave a lecture on hygiene and also distributed swords among the children. Godh, a local NGO, presented a puppet show to spread awareness about education and health. A magic show and a performance by Pashto singer Ansar Abbas was also organised. GRAP Gender Specialist Memoona Batool Khan emphasised the importance of educating Afghan women. SHARP Lahore Field Manager Sher Afgan Khan said Pakistan had always welcomed the Afghans. He said SHARP had organised the programme to commemorate the World Refugee day with Afghan nationals.