PHOTO: AFP
This was stated by Additional Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Waqar Maroof on Thursday at a workshop held in Peshawar. Maroof said under the new policy, unregistered refugees will be documented through the National Database and Registration Authority.
According to Maroof, the SAFRON ministry has sent a draft proposal to the interior ministry and finance ministry to seek funds. “Once the funds are approved, the modalities of registration would be implemented accordingly,” he said.
Maroof was addressing the workshop organised by the Commissionerate of Afghan Refugees in collaboration with UNHCR at a local hotel to create awareness for the protection of Afghan refugees living in the country.
In his address, FATA Establishment Secretary Syed Zaheerul Islam Abbasi made assurances that the federal and provincial governments would refrain from unnecessarily harassing refugees. “Both governments are working jointly with international organisations for safe and dignified repatriation of Afghan nationals,” said Abbasi. “To avoid disturbance by law-enforcement agencies, every refugee should register themselves with the authorities.”
Abbasi also highlighted the need for efficient regulation of people’s movement at the Pak-Afghan border and development of these areas.
UNHCR Peshawar head Jacques Franquin said UNHCR along with the Pakistan and Afghan government sis committed to undertaking a joint fundraising initiative to mobilise resources for implementing the voluntary return of refugees.
Travel ban lambasted
Afghan refugees settled in various parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s southern districts have termed a ban imposed on them on using the Kohat Tunnel and Khushal Garh Bridge to travel to other parts of the country an injustice.
Addressing a news conference at the Bannu Press Club on Thursday, Afghan elders Haji Bacha Khan, Muhammad Nabi, Haji Malang Jan, Waseem Khan and others criticised the government for the prohibition.
According to the elders, thousands of Afghans moved to Pakistan over three decades ago to escape the Soviet war in their country. Many of them settled in K-P’s southern districts of Karak, Bannu, Kohat, DI Khan, Tank and Lakki Marwat.
The Afghan elders said they have refugee cards issued by the UNHCR but despite that the government of Pakistan has barred them from travelling through Kohat Tunnel and Khushal Garh Bridge.
“We have relatives in other parts of the country, but the government’s restriction has left us confined to our homes,” said an elder. He added people also need to go to hospitals in Peshawar and the commute through Kohat Tunnel is less time-consuming.
The Afghan elders said they were thankful for the hospitality the people of Pakistan have shown them in the past three decades, and have respected the country’s law, customs and values during their stay.
They added they had submitted written complaints to UNHCR as well as Pakistan’s government, Afghan consulate, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, PTI Chairman Imran Khan on the issue and demanded that the restriction be lifted.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 10th, 2015.
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