PM links Afghan return to peace, says 2.4 million repatriated

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is essential for the dignified return and long-term reintegration of

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is essential for the dignified return and long-term reintegration of Afghan refugees, as Pakistan continues its phased repatriation programme.

In a message on World Refugee Day, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding humanitarian commitment, noting that the country has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for nearly five decades despite limited resources.

He said Pakistan joined the global community in expressing solidarity with displaced people and stressed that refugee protection and return remain a shared international responsibility.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, PM Shehbaz stated that more than 2.4 million Afghan nationals have returned to their homeland by June 2026 under an orderly and phased repatriation process initiated in 2023.

He said the number reflects a sustained effort to manage migration “in a dignified and structured manner,” while also acknowledging the economic, social, and security pressures faced by Pakistan as a host country.

The prime minister urged the international community to recognise the burden carried by host nations and to strengthen cooperation with agencies such as the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

He also praised the generosity of the Pakistani people, saying that communities had shared their resources, education system, and healthcare facilities with refugees over decades.

Shehbaz Sharif concluded that displaced persons must be given hope and opportunity to return safely, rather than being left in permanent exile, adding that lasting peace in Afghanistan remains key to sustainable resettlement.