Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the ongoing situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
In a post on X, UN officials highlighted the discussion focused on finding just and durable solutions for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, with the support of the international community.
During his visit, Grandi also held talks with Pakistani Finance Minister Ishaq Dar after meeting with Afghan migrants. Grandi described his short visit to Pakistan as aimed at “supporting migrants.”
Since October 2023, Pakistan has been expelling undocumented immigrants. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 639,000 Afghan migrants have been deported by Pakistan to date.
Meanwhile, Qaiser Afridi, spokesperson for the UNHCR, stated that during his meeting with Grandi, the Pakistani Foreign Minister stressed the need for increased international support to address the Afghan migrant situation in Pakistan.
Grandi has expressed opposition to the Pakistani government’s decision to forcibly expel illegal migrants, asserting that “returns must be voluntary and free from any pressure.”
