SWABI: Afghan refugees of the two camps here in the district on Tuesday demanded of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani to make arrangements for their immediate return to their motherland and avoid further requests to the Pakistani government for extension in their stay.

The refugees gathered at the Gandaf Camp and discussed the prevailing situation. Led by Musharrafullah, Shamasur Rehman, Zarif Khan and Gohati Camp president Mohammad Gul, the refugees said that after several extensions it seemed that the prospects of their stay in Pakistan had dampened.

They said that a total of 18,500 refugees were living in Gandaf Camp and 30,000 in Gohati Camp. The two camps were established soon after the occupation of Afghanistan by former Soviet Union. A number of Afghans also live in different localities of the district.

The refugees complained about shortage of facilities, saying that half of Gandaf Camp did not have the power supply for over a year now. They said that as there real destination was their home country the delaying tactics in their return might not work any longer.

“There is no need of prolonging stay in Pakistan and the best option for the Afghan government is to seek help from the donor agencies who should provide financial support for their rehabilitation in Afghanistan,” said Musharrafullah. This idea was supported by other refugees present on the occasion and they demanded of the Afghan government to take up the issue with the international aid agencies and arrange for their immediate and honourable repatriation.

Zarif Khan said that when the entire world, UNHCR and donor agencies supported the Afghan refugees, the process of their return should not be delayed. He said that the Afghan government should seek financial assistance from the international aid agencies to facilitate their early return. “The arrangements of camps could be made in Afghanistan for our living with dignity,” said Mirza Gul.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.