Resettling Hazaras: No special arrangments says Australian HC

Australian High Commission clarifies on Hazara refugee intake, refuses to quantify a number

ISLAMABAD: Responding to reports of Australian government offering asylum to 2,500 Hazara families of Pakistan, the Australian High Commission in Islamabad on Thursday stated there were no new arrangements for any particular ethnicity or people from a particular part of any country.

It was reported earlier in the day that a representative of Australian immigration department met with United Nations officials to make the asylum offer.
“Australia is not introducing a new program to resettle Hazaras out of Pakistan,” the press release clarified.
According to the Australian High Commission, refugees - including Hazaras - wanting to be resettled in Australia must be recognised by UNHCR as meeting the criteria for refugee status.

The release added that there were no quotas for particular groups of people.

The media release comes days after a massive bomb ripped through a busy marketplace in Quetta on February 16 killing 89 people, most of them being Hazara Shias.

The attack led to countrywide agitation, with families refusing to bury their loved ones till their demands of an army operation against the perpetrators was met.

In January, twin blasts in Quetta killed over a 100 people and left over 300 injured. After being continuously attacked by militant outfits, the Shia Hazaras went on strike across the country demanding the government to take immediate action.

Earlier condemning attacks against  Hazaras in Pakistan, Australian Foreign Minister asked the Pakistani government to take firm action against those involved.

"All Australians would be appalled at the barbarism involved in bombing innocent civilians going about their lives," Senator Carr said.