World Refugee Day observed 

Islamabad (Web Desk): World Refugee Day is being observed today (Friday), across the globe, including in Pakistan, as a tribute to the resilience, bravery, and determination of millions of people who have been forced to leave their countries due to war, persecution, or violence.

The theme for this year is “Solidarity with Refugees,” highlighting the importance of standing with displaced individuals and supporting their inclusion in host societies.

In his message marking the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need for peaceful solutions to conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy.

“Addressing the root causes of displacement is essential to overcoming the challenges posed by prolonged refugee crises,” he said.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s role, the premier noted that the country has welcomed millions of Afghan refugees over the past four decades, even with limited international assistance.

PM Shehbaz commended the people of Pakistan for their compassion and hospitality toward their Afghan brothers and sisters.

According to the latest figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), as of May 31, 2025, Pakistan is hosting over 1.36 million registered Afghan refugees, making it one of the largest refugee-hosting nations globally. These refugees primarily hold Proof of Registration (PoR) cards.

In addition to Afghan nationals, Pakistan also accommodates smaller numbers of displaced people from countries such as Myanmar, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria.

Efforts to integrate refugee services into the national framework are ongoing. A significant development in this regard is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the UNHCR and the World Health Organization (WHO) to enhance healthcare access for refugees in Pakistan.

This partnership aims to integrate refugee health facilities into the country’s public health system. It includes training healthcare providers and supplying essential medicines and equipment in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Punjab.

These initiatives are part of a broader objective to strengthen national health services for the benefit of both refugee and host communities.

The WHO continues to advocate for the inclusion of refugee health in national policies and universal health coverage plans, reaffirming that healthcare is a basic human right for all, regardless of status or origin.

World Refugee Day was first globally commemorated on June 20, 2001, marking the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. Originally known as Africa Refugee Day, it was officially recognised by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as an international observance in December 2000.