Peaceful Afghanistan essential for return of Afghan nationals: PM Shehbaz

Says over 2.4m Afghans returned to their homeland by June this year

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding commitment to refugees and said that a peaceful, stable, and economically resilient Afghanistan was essential for the dignified return and sustainable reintegration of Afghan nationals.

In his message on World Refugee Day, observed under the theme “Until Everyone is Safe,” the prime minister said Pakistan joined the global community in expressing solidarity with refugees worldwide while paying tribute to their resilience, courage and determination in the face of displacement.

Calling on the international community, he stressed that the sacrifices and contributions of host countries must be recognised and supported.

“Hosting refugees and facilitating their return is a shared global responsibility and emphasised that a peaceful, stable and economically resilient Afghanistan is essential for the sustainable reintegration of returning Afghan nationals,” he added.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا پناہ گزینوں کے عالمی دن 20 جون 2026 پر پیغام
عالمی یومِ مہاجرین پر پاکستان اقوام عالم کے ساتھ مل کر دنیا بھر کے مہاجرین کے ساتھ اظہار یکجہتی کرتا ہے
پاکستان دنیا کے ساتھ ہم آواز ہو کر بے گھر اور نقل مکانی پر مجبور افراد کے بلند عزم و حوصلے اور کو… pic.twitter.com/WOSBXUXbH3

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) June 20, 2026

He said the theme serves as a reminder that safety was a fundamental human right and that protecting and rehabilitating people forced to flee their homes due to conflict, insecurity and other crises was a collective responsibility of the international community.

Premier noted that while World Refugee Day was observed globally to promote compassion and awareness about the plight of refugees, “For Pakistan, it represents a humanitarian commitment that has been demonstrated in practice for nearly five decades.”

Referring to the influx of Afghan refugees following the events of 1979, the prime minister said Pakistan opened its borders and extended support to millions of Afghans despite its limited resources, providing shelter, care and opportunities for successive generations.

He said Pakistan established refugee settlements and camps and remained among the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries for more than four decades. Afghan families residing in Pakistan were provided access to education, healthcare, employment and other essential services while living with dignity and respect.

Read More: No further leeway for undocumented Afghan refugees: PM Shehbaz

The premier highlighted that Pakistan had effectively managed the welfare and movement of millions of Afghans over the years and noted that since September 2023, the country had been implementing a phased, orderly and dignified repatriation programme.

“More than 2.4 million Afghan nationals had returned to their homeland by June 2026.”

The PM noted that these figures were ‘not mere statistics’.

“It highlighted the experience of millions of Afghans who found safety, shelter and support in the country during difficult periods of their lives,” PM Shehbaz emphasised.

He also underscored that hosting millions of refugees placed a “significant” economic, social, environmental and security burden on Pakistan.

Also Read: Afghan repatriation: Rain, delays slow Afghan return process 

Speaking on the occasion, PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international partners to advance this objective.

The premier paid tribute to Pakistanis and praised their generosity, compassion and spirit of solidarity, while adding, “They consistently shared their resources, educational institutions and healthcare facilities with refugees despite facing their own challenges.”

“Pakistan’s humane treatment of refugees stands as an example to the world and the hospitality shown by the people was a proud chapter in the country’s history.”

Concluding his message, the Premier urged the international community to ensure that displaced and stateless persons are given hope, peace and opportunity to safely return home with dignity.

“Rather than being condemned to permanent exile.”