Ambassador Donald Blome commends Pakistan’s Afghan refugee policies

Celina Ali

Islamabad: US Ambassador Donald Blome met with Minister of States and Frontier Regions Amir Muqam this week to thank the Minister for Pakistan’s long history of hosting Afghan refugees and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to working with Pakistan to assist Afghan refugees and Pakistani community members in areas hosting refugees.

The Ambassador expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s recent decision to extend the validity of refugee Proof of Registration cards, for the positive steps taken to address protection concerns, and for our countries’ continued cooperation to facilitate the safe, efficient resettlement of eligible Afghans to the United States.

During the meeting here, the minister expressed his gratitude for the long-standing cooperation of US with Pakistan. He said that Pakistan was combating successful war against terrorism and also rendered countless sacrifices in terms of human lives and economic losses.

He said that more than 70,000 lives had been lost due to terrorism in Pakistan since 2001 and more than $150 billion in economic losses.

Amir Muqam urged the international community to recognize Pakistan’s efforts in the war against terrorism.

He emphasized the need for the assistance of the United States and other international partners in the return of Afghan refugees. He emphasized on increasing US aid to host communities and efforts to create favorable conditions in Afghanistan for the return of refugees.