Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding commitment to refugees, stating that a peaceful, stable, and economically resilient Afghanistan is essential for the dignified return and sustainable reintegration of Afghan nationals. In his message on World Refugee Day, observed under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe,” the prime minister said Pakistan joins the global community in expressing solidarity with refugees worldwide while paying tribute to their resilience, courage, and determination in the face of displacement.
Call for International Support
Calling on the international community, he stressed that the sacrifices and contributions of host countries must be recognized and supported. “Hosting refugees and facilitating their return is a shared global responsibility,” he added, emphasizing that a peaceful, stable, and economically resilient Afghanistan is essential for the sustainable reintegration of returning Afghan nationals.
Theme and Significance
He said the theme serves as a reminder that safety is a fundamental human right and that protecting and rehabilitating people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, insecurity, and other crises is a collective responsibility of the international community. The premier noted that while World Refugee Day is observed globally to promote compassion and awareness about the plight of refugees, “For Pakistan, it represents a humanitarian commitment that has been demonstrated in practice for nearly five decades.”
Pakistan's Humanitarian Record
Referring to the influx of Afghan refugees following the events of 1979, the prime minister said Pakistan opened its borders and extended support to millions of Afghans despite its limited resources, providing shelter, care, and opportunities for successive generations. He said Pakistan established refugee settlements and camps and remained among the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries for more than four decades. Afghan families residing in Pakistan were provided access to education, healthcare, employment, and other essential services while living with dignity and respect.
Repatriation Programme
The premier highlighted that Pakistan had effectively managed the welfare and movement of millions of Afghans over the years and noted that since September 2023, the country had been implementing a phased, orderly, and dignified repatriation programme. “More than 2.4 million Afghan nationals had returned to their homeland by June 2026.” The PM noted that these figures are ‘not mere statistics’. “It highlighted the experience of millions of Afghans who found safety, shelter, and support in the country during difficult periods of their lives,” PM Shehbaz emphasized.
Burden on Pakistan
He also underscored that hosting millions of refugees places a “significant” economic, social, environmental, and security burden on Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and other international partners to advance this objective.
Tribute to Pakistani People
The premier paid tribute to Pakistanis and praised their generosity, compassion, and spirit of solidarity, while adding, “They consistently shared their resources, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities with refugees despite facing their own challenges.” “Pakistan’s humane treatment of refugees stands as an example to the world, and the hospitality shown by the people was a proud chapter in the country’s history.”
Concluding Message
Concluding his message, the premier urged the international community to ensure that displaced and stateless persons are given hope, peace, and opportunity to safely return home with dignity. “Rather than being condemned to permanent exile.”
