Repatriation of Afghan refugees

The Baloch Hal News

DERA MURAD JAMALI: Exodus of Afghan refugees staying in Paksitan could not be possible till the expiry of deadline and 1.7 million Afghan refugees were waiting for their return to Afghanistan.

Babar Baloch UNHCR Spokesman in Islamabad told by telephone here Sunday that  of 5.2 million Afghan refugees, 3.5 million have repatriated to their homes with UN assistance during the past 8 years. Still 1.7 million were residing in Pakistan whose return was scheduled to be completed on Dec 31, 2009. But in view of deteriorating situation in Afghanistan their return could not be completed

Answering a question Babar Baloch said that their return could not be completed for the reason remaining Afghans belong go war hit areas. He said eighty percent of the registered Afghan refugees were confined to camps  while 20 percent were working for earning livelihood.

He said Prime Minister of Paksitan has been submitted a 3-year strategy for total repatriation of Afghan refugees which would be decided in the cabinet meeting. Till then no action would be taken against registered Afghan, he added.-PPI