ISLAMABAD: Reacting to a recent report by Human Rights Watch concerning Afghan refugees, the Foreign Office said the assertions made therein were misplaced and removed from facts and realities on ground, besides lacking objectivity.

According to a statement, the FO said the report contained exaggerated contentions and baseless allegations of coercion, which were particularly disappointing and irresponsible, being counterproductive to the objective of harmony and goodwill between the refugees and the host communities as well as the shared goal of dignified voluntary returns.

It was regrettable that on the whole, the report was devoid of the larger perspective and the historical context in which Pakistan and its people had been generous and gracious hosts to millions of Afghans for over 37 years now, the statement said.

“With dwindling international assistance and attention over the years, Pakistan had shouldered this huge responsibility largely on its own, providing shelter, education, health care and livelihood opportunities to our Afghan brothers and sisters despite severe strain on our limited resources,” the statement mentioned.

As a host country, it said, Pakistan’s exemplary role had been recognised and appreciated by the international community. This had also been repeatedly acknowledged by Afghanistan and the United Nations, including at the highest levels, it added.

Indeed, the FO said, the government of Pakistan worked closely with the government of Afghanistan and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, including under the framework of the Tripartite Agreement and the internationally endorsed Solutions Strategy for Afghan Refugees, which followed a holistic approach and an attainable roadmap for protection and durable solutions for Afghan refugees through regional and international cooperation.

Pakistan believed that return of Afghans to their homeland in dignity and honour would go a long way in promoting durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, the statement said.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2017