As the deadline for repatriating Afghan refugees to their homeland expires today, the federal government is likely to extend the refugees’ stay in Pakistan.
The interim government had extended the stay of Afghan refugees for three months in June this year.
The extension period ranged between July 1 and September 30.
Officials privy to this development maintain that during a recent meeting of the federal cabinet, information ministry officials had contended that the stay would be extended until June next year. But this was not communicated to the donor agencies, specifically the United Nation High Commission for Refugee (UNHCR).
“This was discussed in the cabinet meeting by the federal minister for information. However, no other stakeholder was sent any official notification in this regard,” a senior official dealing with the issue told media.
The official stated that the UNHCR mainly dealt with registered refugees and those who were issued ‘Proof of Registration’ cards.
“It is likely that the government will make this announcement on September 30 (which was yesterday) after the expiry of the extension date otherwise even the registered refugees will be facing immense problems,” another official said.
“A notification in this regard has not yet been issued by the federal government,” the official said.
UNHCR’s head in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela expressed the hope that the government would extend the refugees’ stay.
Published in Daily Times, October 1, 2018.
