Government Of Pakistan Provides Wheat For Returning Afghan Refugees
PESHAWAR: The World Food Programme (WFP) in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), is distributing wheat provided by the government to returning Afghan refugees at the WFP hub in Peshawar.
The Secretary Ministry of States and Frontier Regions, Muhammad Shehzad Arbab visited the site today with WFP Head of Provincial Office, BaiMankay Sankoh where 800 Afghan refugee families are being assisted with 3 x 100 kg bags of wheat, sufficient to feed a family of six for approximately four months. The distribution is expected to be completed by 30 November 2016.
“WFP’s assistance to SAFRON will support transparent and rapid wheat distribution to Afghan families” said BaiMankay Sankoh. “WFP is working in close coordination with SAFRON to ensure the provision of sustainable food and nutrition security for Afghan refugees, in line with SDG2 and the Government of Pakistan’s vision 2025.”
Seven WFP technical staff members are at the distribution point in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) with the required facilities to ensure rapid online refugee registration and data verification processes in accordance with UNHCR database.
“We are grateful to WFP for their assistance in distributing food,” thanked the Secretary SAFRON, adding “The Government is committed to facilitating a smooth process for the Afghan refugees as they return home.”
The Additional Commissioner for AFG Refugees, Mr. Waqar Maroof, WFP Head of Provincial Office, BaiMankay Sankoh and representatives of government line departments were present at the first distribution which took place on 15 November.
“The Government of Pakistan is supporting the Afghan refugees as they return to Afghanistan’ said Mr. Waqar Maroof. “The refugees are returning voluntarily and we would like to see them leave with ease and happiness.”
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan hosts the second largest refugee population, after Turkey, with over 1.5 million registered refugees in the country. WFP has been supporting Afghan refugees in Pakistan since 2001.
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WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in 80 countries.
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Mahira Afzal, WFP Islamabad, Mobile: +92 345 855 9333, mahira.afzal@wfp.org