ZUBAIR QURESHI
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday issued directives to the authorities for preparation of a comprehensive relief package for Afghan Refugees and internally Displaced People (IDPs) locked in lockdown due to Coronavirus epidemic. The PM issued directives on request of Shehryar Afridi, Minister Narcotics Control and Safron during the cabinet meeting earlier in the day. PM directs comprehensive relief package for stranded Afghan refugees, IDP Shehryar Afridi later while talking to a group of media personnel on issues and challenges such as shortage of food and shelter being faced by Afghan Refugees and IDPs said around 2.8 million refugees were living in 52 refugee camps all across Pakistan. Some 80pc of them were daily wagers, he said. Afridi said it was the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR’s) moral obligation to help afghan refugees in this hour of need. “The IDPs left their home for the safety of Pakistan, Pakistan will also not leave them alone in this testing time,” said Afridi. On my request, Prime Minister very kindly gave directives for allocating funds for IDPs and refugees from 200 billion rupees fund allocated for the poor peasants, said Shehryar Afridi. Earlier,
Shehryar Afridi, with the help of cricket great Shahid Afridi, delivered ration packages among refugees residing in Afghan Camp, Kohat. Minister said during the talk that he plans to visit merged 7 districts of FATA, Balochistan, Afghan camps in Karachi, Hyderabad and Mianwali and deliver ration packages among daily wagers. He further mentioned that he has been urging philanthropists to contribute for this cause.
