KARACHI, July 24: To review the progress of voluntary repatriation of Afghan refugees from Karachi and to provide resources to the recently-established refugee cell in the home department, a meeting was held here on Wednesday with federal secretary Mohammad Jawed Ashraf Hussain in the chair.

Sindh home secretary informed the meeting about efforts taken by the provincial government in repatriating the refugees and about the security steps provided to the refugee caravans emanating from Karachi.

UNHCR representative Lejla Helic informed the meeting that 114,679 refugees have been repatriated since April 4. She appreciated the help extended by the Sindh government to the UN body in the repatriation process.

The federal secretary appreciated the coordination of the home department, police and the city government with the UNHCR in smooth repatriation of the refugees and assured them of full support of the federal government.

He said the government would provide necessary assistance to the refugee cell established in the home department to monitor the repatriation of the refugees.

The meeting was attended by inspector-general of police, acting city Nazim, UNHCR representatives and additional secretary, home department.—PPI