Says repatr­iation of refuge­es slowed down becaus­e of slow econom­ic activi­ty in Afghan­istanQUETTA : United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) representative in Pakistan Ruvendrini Menikdiwela on Wednesday said decrease in economic activities and livelihood opportunities in Afghanistan have slowed down the repatriation of refugees. Briefing the chief minister about the agency’s work in the province, UNHCR’s representative said “Decrease in economic activities and livelihood opportunities in Afghanistan have slowed down the repatriation of Afghan refugees”. UNHCR’s representative also said the agency with the cooperation of provincial government is going to start new programmes, comprising health and education facilities for refugees in Balochistan. Lauding UNHCR’s initiatives, CM Kamal said Pakistan has always played a positive role in Afghan peace process, adding that the federal and provincial governments were willing to repatriate Afghan refugees with respect and honour. “Fencing along the Afghan border will maintain law and order and would revamp border management, he said, “Urban centres in border areas will increase economic activities”.

Source: The Express Tribune April 19, 2019 05:48 UTC