PESHAWAR: Commissioner Headquarters for Afghan Refugees Islamabad Faridullah Jan and Head of Development Cooperation (HDC) German Embassy Marion Pfennigs inaugurated a conference hall and a helpline at Commissionerate for Afghan refugees in Peshawar on Monday.

A statement issued here said that the commissioner for Afghan refugees, Mohammad Abbas Khan, and principal adviser SSARC, GIZ Heidi Hermann were also present on the occasion.

The helpline has been established with the support of German government through GIZ for quick and effective resolution of the problems or grievances faced by both the refugees as well as the Pakistani host community.

Moreover, a conference hall has also been refurbished and equipped in the commissionerate building which will serve as a resource and community centre for both Afghan refugee and host community.

The centre will be used for multiple activities including capacity building courses and cultural and social activities.

Speaking at the occasion, Faridullah Jan lauded the German government and GIZ for supporting the government of Pakistan to reach out to vulnerable Afghan refugees and host community for their welfare and timely support.

Marion Pfennigs in her remarks lauded the role played by both the government as well as the people of Pakistan for their exemplary hospitality. She reiterated the German government’s support for the global cause, enabling the government of Pakistan to effectively manage the huge caseload.

Published in Dawn, June 29th, 2021