Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif marks World Refugee Day with a message on refugee support.
Prime minister says Pakistan’s decades-long refugee hosting reflects humanitarian values and urges stronger international support for safe return and reintegration.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting refugees and called on the international community to share responsibility for assisting host countries and enabling the safe return of displaced populations.
In a message marking World Refugee Day, observed under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe”, the prime minister said Pakistan stood in solidarity with refugees around the world and recognised their resilience and determination.
He said the theme highlights a simple principle: safety is a fundamental human right.
Pakistan’s Longstanding Refugee Commitment
Shehbaz Sharif said World Refugee Day serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to protect and support people forced to leave their homes because of conflict, insecurity and humanitarian crises.
He added that, for Pakistan, the occasion reflects a commitment that has been demonstrated in practice for nearly five decades.
Referring to the arrival of Afghan refugees after the events of 1979, the prime minister said Pakistan opened its borders despite limited resources and provided shelter and opportunities to millions of people.
He said refugee settlements and camps were established across the country and that Pakistan remained among the world’s largest refugee-hosting nations for more than 40 years.
According to the prime minister, Afghan families living in Pakistan received access to education, healthcare, employment and other essential services while maintaining dignity and respect.
Repatriation and Regional Stability
The prime minister said Pakistan has managed the welfare and movement of millions of Afghan nationals over the years.
He noted that since September 2023, the government has implemented a phased, orderly and dignified repatriation programme.
According to official figures cited by the prime minister, more than 2.4 million Afghan nationals had returned to Afghanistan by June 2026.
He said these figures represent people and families who found protection and support in Pakistan during difficult periods of their lives.
Call for International Support
Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged that hosting millions of refugees created economic, social, environmental and security pressures on Pakistan.
He stressed that the international community should recognise and support the sacrifices made by host countries.
The prime minister said refugee hosting and repatriation remain shared global responsibilities.
He added that a peaceful, stable and economically resilient Afghanistan is essential for the successful reintegration of returning citizens.
Pakistan, he said, will continue working with international partners, including the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Tribute to the Pakistani People
The prime minister praised the people of Pakistan for their generosity and compassion.
He said communities across the country had shared resources, educational opportunities and healthcare services with refugees despite facing domestic challenges.
Shehbaz Sharif described Pakistan’s treatment of refugees as an example of humanitarian commitment and called it a proud chapter in the country’s history.
He concluded by urging the international community to renew efforts to ensure displaced and stateless people receive hope, peace and the opportunity to return home safely and with dignity.
