In the early hours of 25th February, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan tweeted that he had given instructions that Afghan refugees who are registered and residing in Pakistan will be allowed to open bank accounts.
He also stated that this should have been done a long time ago.
“I have issued instructions today that Afghan refugees who are registered can open bank accounts and from now onwards they can participate in the formal economy of the country. This should have been done a long time ago,” said Mr Khan on Twitter
UN Refugee Agency has welcomed the decision made by Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow Afghan refugees to open bank accounts.
“I commend Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government and the people of Pakistan for taking this important step in support of Afghan refugees – a forward-looking, generous gesture of solidarity of global significance,” the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a press release.
UNHCR Director for Asia and the Pacific, Mr. Indrika Rawatte and UNHCR Representative in Pakistan, Ms. Ruvendrini Menikdiwela said Pakistan has generously hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades and should be applauded for this latest decision.
“This is a bold demonstration of humanitarian leadership in a world that is not inclusive,” Mr. Rawatte said.
People on Twitter also appreciated the move by Prime Minister Imran Khan.
One person said that they believe this is a historic move.
Another tweeter said that indeed this should have been done a long time ago and bias or hate should not stand in the way of basic rights for refugees.
Some people have also criticized the move.
A tweeter replied to Mr Khan's tweet asking about non-registered Afghanis living in Pakistan.
“With due respect. What about those who are not registered yet. Aren't they unidentified ( NaMaloom) to us? No identity, no fingerprints. Plz issue an order for this as well” said Mr Badvi
A person affected by this appreciated the move on twitter but also highlighted a few issues and requested the PM to look at them as well.
Pakistan hosts the second largest refugee population in the world. According to UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), there are currently more than 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees living in Pakistan.
Imran Khan - Expectations and challenges?
Imran Khan - Expectations and challenges?
Share
