PESHAWAR, May 9: States and Frontier Regions Minister Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao said on Sunday that Pakistan wanted to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees in a dignified manner.

Speaking at a ceremony held to distribute certificates among 18 Afghan girl students of physiotherapy, Mr Sherpao said the government was doing its utmost to mitigate the suffering of Afghanistan and all possible efforts were being made to ensure speedy reconstruction of the country.

Pakistan, he said, was still home to over 3.5 million Afghan refugees whereas the target of voluntary repatriation of two million refugees would be met on Monday. He said about 100,000 refugees had repatriated since March and by the end of the year 500,000 of them would return home.

The minister said a lot of efforts were required to develop the infrastructure, particularly in health and human development, in Afghanistan. Mr Sherpao said Pakistan wanted an amicable and peaceful settlement of the unrest in Afghanistan in order to create a conducive atmosphere for the return of the refugees.

He lauded the efforts of the Habib Physiotherapy Complex for training Afghan girls. Talking to reporters after the ceremony, he said the government was taking every possible step for the welfare of the people.

The government was moving ahead with full confidence for the development of the country, he said. Mr Sherpao, while condemning the anti-state elements, said, "We should live like brothers, and there is a dire need to create unity in our ranks." -APP