Afghanistan’s Independence Day celebrated in Peshawar

“We are unhappy with forced repatriation and harassment of Afghans,” Sherpao says

PESHAWAR: An event was held in the city to mark the Independence Day of Afghanistan on Thursday. The occasion was organised against the backdrop of harassment faced by refugees and orders for their forced repatriation.

Speaking on the occasion, Afghan Consul General Dr Abdullah Waheed Poyan, on behalf of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, congratulated his countrymen residing in the city.

On the occasion, Qaumi Watan Party Provincial Chairperson Sikandar Hayat Sherpao and Awami National Party Central General Secretary Mian Iftikhar Hussain said Afghan nationals deserve repatriation with due dignity and respect.

“We are unhappy with forced repatriation and harassment of Afghans,” Sherpao said.

Sherpao and Mian Iftikhar made it clear that Pakistan and Afghanistan were not only neighbouring states but the people of these countries shared an unbreakable bond.

“No one can pull the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan apart,” Mian Iftikhar said, “Terrorism is not only a threat to Afghanistan and Pakistan but it is harmful for the future of all regional countries.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2016.