LAHORE, Jun 20 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that becoming a refugee was not a crime but a painful compulsion forced upon millions of people by war, violence, persecution and instability. In her message on World Refugee Day, she said no one willingly abandons his or her home, homeland and possessions. People are compelled to leave behind their families, communities and cherished memories only when their lives …
CM calls refugee crisis a humanitarian challenge, urges global compassion
LAHORE, Jun 20 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that becoming a refugee was not a crime but a painful compulsion forced upon millions of people by war, violence, persecution and instability.
In her message on World Refugee Day, she said no one willingly abandons his or her home, homeland and possessions. People are compelled to leave behind their families, communities and cherished memories only when their lives and safety are threatened, she added.
The CM said the refugee experience was among the most painful human tragedies, as displacement deprives people not only of shelter but also of security, identity and a sense of belonging. “Wars may eventually end, but the suffering caused by displacement and homelessness often continues for generations,” she observed.
Referring to ongoing humanitarian crises, Maryam Nawaz said the plight of refugees from Palestine and Syria remained a stark reminder of the immense human cost of conflict and injustice. She described their suffering as a serious test for the conscience of humanity and urged the international community to play a more effective role in addressing refugee challenges around the world.
The CM said the world must recognize that those seeking refuge were not weak individuals but victims of oppression, violence and circumstances beyond their control. “A person seeking shelter deserves empathy, dignity and protection, not indifference,” she added.
Highlighting Pakistan’s humanitarian role, Maryam Nawaz said the country had a long tradition of extending support to displaced populations. Despite limited resources, Pakistan had hosted millions of refugees with generosity and respect, demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian values and international solidarity, she added.
She said Pakistan had always stood with the oppressed and would continue to raise its voice for the welfare, protection and rights of refugees. She stressed that lasting solutions to the refugee crisis required collective global efforts to promote peace, justice, stability and respect for human rights.
The CM prayed for enduring peace across the world, an end to conflicts and oppression, and a future in which every individual could live safely, securely and with dignity in his or her own home and homeland.
