ISLAMABAD: On World Refugee Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored Pakistan’s long-standing humanitarian role in hosting refugees and called on the international community to share responsibility in supporting host nations while ensuring the safe, dignified return and reintegration of displaced populations.
In his message marking the day observed under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe,” the prime minister said Pakistan stands in solidarity with refugees worldwide and recognizes their resilience, courage and determination in the face of displacement caused by conflict and insecurity.
He said Pakistan joined the global community in expressing solidarity with refugees and paying tribute to their strength and perseverance amid difficult circumstances.
Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that safety is a fundamental human right and stressed that the protection, rehabilitation, and dignified return of displaced people is a shared responsibility of the international community.
Read More: Shehbaz Sharif hails Islamic New Year as message of unity and peace
The prime minister noted that Pakistan’s engagement with refugee populations spans nearly five decades, beginning with the arrival of millions of Afghan refugees after 1979. Despite limited resources, he said Pakistan opened its borders and extended shelter, care, and support to displaced families across generations.
He added that Pakistan established refugee settlements and camps and remained among the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries for more than four decades, providing access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities while ensuring dignity and respect.
Highlighting recent developments, he said Pakistan has continued a phased and orderly repatriation process since September 2023, under which more than 2.4 million Afghan nationals have returned to their homeland by June 2026.
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that hosting such large refugee populations has placed significant economic, social, environmental, and security pressures on Pakistan. He stressed that the sacrifices of host countries must be recognized and supported by the international community.
He reiterated that refugee protection and repatriation is a shared global responsibility and said a peaceful, stable, and economically resilient Afghanistan is essential for the sustainable reintegration of returnees.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s cooperation with international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), to strengthen refugee-related efforts.
Paying tribute to the people of Pakistan, he praised their generosity, compassion, and spirit of solidarity, saying they have consistently shared national resources, institutions, and services with refugees despite domestic challenges.
He described Pakistan’s approach as a reflection of humanitarian values and urged the global community to ensure displaced persons are not left in prolonged exile but are given the opportunity to return home safely and with dignity.
