PESHAWAR: In a joint press conference with Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Abdul Qadir Baloch in Peshawar on Wednesday, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Chief Antonio Guterres appreciated the government and people of Pakistan for having generously hosted the world's largest protracted refugee population over a period of three decades.

Reiterating his commitment, Guterres said, "It's a crucial year for finding lasting solutions for Afghan refugees in the region."

"Unfortunately in the past the Afghan government was not fully committed to creating favourable conditions for the return of Afghan refugees, but the new Afghan government, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive of Afghanistan Abdullah Abdullah have taking keen interest in the repatriation process," said the UNHCR chief.

Safron Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch and UNHCR Chief Antonio Guterres address a joint press conference in Peshawar. — DawnNews screengrab

The UNHCR chief added that the organisation is not doing well financially as the number of refugees have increased worldwide but finances have not.

He, however, affirmed that UNHCR will continue its struggle with regards to the refugee crisis.

Safron Minister Abdul Qadir Baloch said that Pakistan wants honourable repatriation of Afghan refugees.

Also read: Afghan refugees ‘all praise’ for Pakistan

"After December 31, it will be decided how to repatriate Afghan refugees back to their homeland," said Mr Baloch.

Mr Guterres is on a three-day 'Ramazan Solidarity' visit to Pakistan from June 22 to 24.

On Monday, he met with Adviser to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. During the meeting, issues pertaining to Afghan refugees in Pakistan and their voluntary repatriation back to their homeland were discussed.

The UNHCR chief also called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House.

Take a look: 'Pull factors' can help re-integrate Afghans returning from Pakistan: Sartaj