UN chief praises Iran, Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees
Kamran Yousaf
Press TV, Islamabad
Titled "40 Years of Afghan Refugees Presence in Pakistan: A New Partnership for Solidarity in Islamabad," this summit brought delegates from across the world.
Prominent among them were the UN secretary general, the UN high commissioner for refugees, the Afghan second vice president, and the US special envoy for Afghanistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the summit and highlighted how Pakistan for the past 40 years hosted millions of Afghan refugees.
Millions of Afghan refugees fled to neighboring Iran and Pakistan in 1979 after the former Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan. Pakistan still hosts around 2.7 million Afghan refugees.
The UN secretary general praised Iran and Pakistan for showing hospitality for such extended period to the millions of Afghans.
The UN chief also joined a panel discussion that talked about the prospects of peace in Afghanistan and return of Afghan refugees.
Millions of Afghan refugees have been living in Pakistan for decades. Islamabad wants their early repatriation. But as experts say, this will depend on the success of ongoing efforts seeking an end to the war in Afghanistan.
The US chief diplomat for Afghanistan, who was part of the debate, said there has been progress in talks with the Taliban.
There are reports that the US and Taliban are likely to sign the peace deal later this month, leading to intra-Afghan dialog.
But observers believe the US-Taliban deal may not lead to long-term peace and stability in Afghanistan.
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