Pakistan hosts the largest number of refugees – about 1.6 million- according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).
The total population of concern added up to almost 2.5 million at the end of 2012. Refugees, according to the UNHCR definition, include individuals granted complementary forms of protection or those enjoying temporary protection. The refugee population also includes people in a refugee-like situation.
Pakistan hosts the largest number of refugees in the world comprising mostly Afghans who settled on Pakistani territory and lived on a hand-to- mouth earning basis. The figure saw a drop as the US-led invasion into Afghanistan began but return rates have stabilised since then.
The UNHCR has been assisting in the return of these refugees through cash donations going up to $157 per person but many are not ready to leave in the near future.
According to the report called Displaced Persons in the 21st Century,
Pakistan hosted the largest number of refugees in relation to its economic capacity.
The number of asylum claims lodged in Pakistan came up to 4,000, while Kenya (the second biggest refugee base in the world) saw some 20,000 claims.
PAKISTAN’S ROLE LAUDED
Speakers at function on Thursday highly eulogized the role, commitment and efforts of the government of Pakistan and its people for accommodation, hospitality and extending better services to over 1.6 million Afghan refugees during their 33-year in Pakistan.
Special Secretary Home and Tribal Affairs Syed Alamgir Khan was the chief guest on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Special Home Secretary Syed Alamgir Khan said Pakistan had provided all-out support to Afghan refugees in their 33 years stay despite limited resources.
In spite of challenges of law and order, he said, the government of
Pakistan and its people had taken utmost care of their Afghan brothers in the hour of need and shared with them all major facilities.
He said role of UNHCR for smooth and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees and their settlement in their home country was very important. On this occasion, the UNHCR officials commended the efforts of Pakistan and its people for looking after the Afghan refugees for so long.
