'Refugees in Pakistan? There are already millions, and there is Covid'

2021-08-20T12:44:43.039Z

Pakistani ambassador to Italy, Jauhar Saleem, said his country does not intend to become a colossal refugee camp for Afghans fleeing the Taliban, as it already hosts millions, adding that at the moment there is not a wave of prof ... (ANSA)

August 20, 14:18

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'Refugees in Pakistan? There are already millions, and there is Covid'

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(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 20 - The Pakistani ambassador to Italy, Jauhar Saleem, declared that his country does not intend to become a colossal refugee camp for Afghans fleeing the Taliban, given that it already hosts millions, adding that at the moment there is no 'is a wave of refugees on the border. Pakistan does not intend to become a colossal refugee camp for Afghans fleeing the Taliban, given that it already hosts millions of them, and moreover a massive influx of refugees - which at the moment does not exist - would also represent a serious health risk, in times of a pandemic from Covid: this was stated by the Pakistani Ambassador to Italy, Jauhar Saleem, during an online press conference held on 19 August. The idea fostered by several European leaders,for which in exchange for aid Afghan refugees could be welcomed in neighboring countries in the region, Pakistan in primis, Islamabad does not like: "In the last 30-40 years Pakistan has welcomed the largest number of refugees in the world, now there are about 4 million - Saleem observes - and this without having the resources available to some European countries. We have always welcomed them on the condition that, when the situation would have allowed it, they would return to their homeland: but this has not happened. Pakistan does not currently have this capacity to welcome them. And you will remember when the Syrians came to Europe. Despite the great resources of Germany and other countries, that wave caused political crises, and Europe was unable to take in all those refugees. Plus now there is a pandemic,and we want Covid to remain under control. So far we have done well, we are a country of 225 million inhabitants, and we want to remain cautious ". For the diplomat, in any case," at the moment we do not observe any wave of refugees at the border, the evacuations are taking place through the Kabul airport. And in this phase we assist everyone, including the Italian embassy, to facilitate the exit from the country of diplomats, members of NGOs and other personnel.exit from the country of diplomats, members of NGOs and other staff.exit from the country of diplomats, members of NGOs and other staff.

We must see the situation for what it is at the moment, not go by hypothesis. "The Pakistani vision on Afghanistan With the same pragmatism, Saleem assesses the situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban seizure of power, stressing that we must" avoid perceptions erroneous, of which Pakistan was also a victim, when it was said that what happened was the fault of Pakistan, while the problems were internal to Afghanistan "." There was no great violence in the streets - he observes -. And the first statements from Kabul are encouraging; on fundamental human rights, on education, on women's rights, on their participation in government.

We are hopeful. Before judging, we need to see the facts. "The ambassador stresses that Pakistan has played a constructive role in fostering dialogue, with the aim of" lasting peace. Pakistan thinks that all parties must be represented in a future government, all ethnic groups, so that there is a prospect of peace for the Afghans.

But always in compliance with the principle of non-interference ".

Finally, a reference to today's telephone conversation with the League's right-wing leader, Matteo Salvini: "We had a productive discussion with Senator Salvini, and we had already been in contact before. He expressed the strong hope that the situation in the region and between Afghanistan and Pakistan move towards peace and stability. We agreed that it is very important that the international community be engaged in Afghanistan. "

(HANDLE).

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'Refugees in Pakistan? There are already millions, and there is Covid'

'Refugees in Pakistan? There are already millions, and there is Covid'

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