ISLAMABAD: Minister for States and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam on Thursday directed international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) to identify the problems of people and address them accordingly.

A meeting with representatives of INGOs presently working in Pakistan on the issue of Afghan refugees was held at his office. The discussion revolved around devising ways to strengthen the working coordination between the ministry and INGOs.

Chairing the meeting, Mr Muqam said the government accords importance to the role and contribution of INGOs in support of its socioeconomic policies and programmes.

“Our priority must be to provide assistance to more people,” he added, saying the ministry of Safron would provide all possible help and assistance. He asked the INGOs to keep in mind the present day requirements and concentrate on the implementation of projects in the same way.

In order to extend maximum assistance to the deserving people, INGOs should identify the issues currently faced by them and utilise funds accordingly.

Representatives of INGOs briefed the minister about their respective fields of work, including livelihood improvement and vocational skills training projects for Afghan refugees and support for income generation activities, psychosocial support, education and health. They highlighted the role of INGOs in national development and humanitarian response in Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Safron Zafar Hassan, Joint Secretary Safron Agha Waseem Ahmad, Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Abbas Khan and Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shakeel Mohammad Khan Safi.

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2024