By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, commended the people and government of Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees for over four decades during a World Refugee Day event in Islamabad. The agency called for protecting those seeking safety in Pakistan and emphasized the need for international responsibility-sharing to match Pakistan’s generosity. World Refugee Day, designated by the United Nations, honors refugees worldwide, celebrating the strength and courage of those forced to flee conflict or persecution. According to UNHCR's latest global trends report, global forced displacement rose to 120 million by May 2024, with 43 million being refugees. Tragically, about 40 percent of displaced individuals are children aged 17 or under.

The Islamabad event, reflecting the 2024 theme “Solidarity with and Solutions for Refugees,” paid tribute to refugees and acknowledged the enduring generosity of host communities. Attendees included Federal Minister for SAFRON Amir Muqam, UNHCR’s National Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan, and other government and civil society members. Philippa Candler, UNHCR’s Representative in Pakistan, expressed concern over the increasing number of forcibly displaced people worldwide and praised their resilience. “I am inspired by the many Afghan refugees I have met in Pakistan, whose strength, ambition, and determination are an example to us all,” she stated. She urged stakeholders to commit to a more ordered and predictable refugee management policy, show compassion for refugees, and seek solutions to their plight. “We can all do more to show solidarity with refugees. No action is too small, whether it’s welcoming a refugee into your community or advocating for their protection,” she added.

Federal Minister Muqam highlighted the financial challenges Pakistan faces in hosting Afghan refugees and noted the generous support from the international community. However, he emphasized that continued solidarity is crucial as international attention dwindles.

UNHCR’s Goodwill Ambassador Mahira Khan called for a renewed collective pledge to stand with refugees. “Let us work together to ensure that every displaced person has access to safety, dignity, and a place to call home,” she urged.