ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 25, 2025 (WNP): Wrapping up a three-day visit to Pakistan, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Operations Raouf Mazou commended the Government and people of Pakistan for their longstanding hospitality toward Afghan refugees and called for sustained international solidarity with Pakistan and the refugee communities.

During his stay in Islamabad, Mazou held meetings with Engr. Amir Muqam, Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, as well as Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq Khan, and senior officials from the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs.

In his discussions, Mazou urged Pakistan to uphold its tradition of offering refuge to Afghans facing international protection needs, especially in light of the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. He reaffirmed UNHCR’s commitment to working closely with the government to find long-term solutions, including promoting voluntary, dignified, and sustainable returns to Afghanistan. He also emphasized continued support for host communities through targeted, area-based assistance programs.

Mazou also engaged directly with Afghan refugee communities, listening to their concerns about an uncertain future. Many expressed their commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s economy and, eventually, to the rebuilding of Afghanistan.

Addressing members of the international community in Islamabad, Mazou called for renewed efforts toward solutions and responsibility-sharing, urging accelerated third-country resettlements, the formation of new partnerships, and the adoption of innovative approaches to tackle the protracted displacement crisis. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to create conditions in Afghanistan that would allow for safe, voluntary, and sustainable returns in the future.