Afghan gov’t plans to facilitate 2 mln refugees in 2 years: Afghan delegation

ISLAMABAD, Mar 1 (APP):A delegation of Afghanistan apprised Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhamamd Afzal Thursday that Afghan government was making concerted efforts for resettlement of its refugees back home and that it planned to facilitate two million refugees in two years.
The delegation called on the Minister of State here.
The delegation led by Advisor to CEO on Trade and Regional Cooperation, Mozammal Shinwari, also included Executive Director and Head of Afghanistan High Peace Council, Abdul Hakim Mujahid, Members of Parliament, Elay Ershad, Rangina Kargar, Deputy Speaker Nangarhar Provincial Council, Lal Mohammad Durrani and others.
During the meeting, discussion specially focused on problems being faced in the realm of transit trade and measures for trade facilitation.
Both sides agreed that new customs clearance facility at Torkham needs to be completed in the shortest possible time so that excessive delays can be avoided.
The Minister also assured the delegation of his support for speedy customs clearance at the ports to facilitate early movement of goods containers.
It was also discussed that the scholarships being offered to Afghan students could also be made available to Afghan refugee families in Pakistan.
The Minister on the occasion appreciated the statement of the Afghan President Ashraf Ghani wherein he mentioned about unconditional dialogue with Afghan Taliban and also having talks with Government of Pakistan to resolve Afghan crisis.
The delegation thanked Minster Rana Afzal for sparing time for the meeting and a frank discussion with members of the delegation on different matters. The Minister, it may be mentioned specially flew in from Karachi Thursday morning to meet the delegation at the Rawal Lounge before the latter’s departure for Afghanistan.