By Zahiruddin
CHITRAL: Afghan students currently studying in educational institutions in Pakistan can play a pivotal role in promoting relations between the two brotherly Islamic and neighbour countries, says Zabihullah, who earned his master degree from Chitral Campus of a public sector university while addressing a seminar.
The seminar was organized by the Society for Human Rights and Prisoners’ Aid (SHARP) here on Thursday about the ‘state and status of Afghan refugees in Pakistan’ in which the status of Afghan refugees were discussed in detail with special reference to Chitral which hosted about quarter-a-million Afghans since early 1980s.
Zabihullah said that Pakistan hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades and those who stayed in Chitral never felt away from home and the refugees were provided all types of facilities for which they were thankful to the people and the government of Pakistan.
He was all praise for the people of Chitral and said they always gave the Afghan students love and care besides providing them the opportunity to acquire higher education and even jobs.
“The Afghan refugees were trying to provide their children quality education so that in future they can play a role in the development of their country instead of getting embroiled in perpetual wars”.
“But still there are many impediments, including financial constraints, due to which the Afghans are unable to acquire education”, he added.
He appreciated SHARP for providing a platform for highlighting the rights of the refugees and providing them with legal aid and assistance.
Speaking on the occasion, SHARP team leader Qazi Sajid Advocate highlighted the objectives of the NGO and the legal rights of the refugees as guaranteed by the UN.
He said at present Pakistan was hosting the third generation of the Afghan refugees while presently about 12,000 refugees were staying in Chitral and they should possess the proof of registration cards to avoid any legal issue.
He said after the University of Chitral gets established properly, the Afghan students would not be facing any major hardship as they did in other universities of the province. He said in this regard, talks had been held with the project director of the university.
Abdul Wali Khan Advocate, member the KP Bar Council, who was chief guest on the occasion, said Muslims themselves were responsible for the lack of peace and Afghanistan. He said Islam was a religion of peace and it strictly forbids violence. “Unfortunately, we slaughter each other which can never be the work of a true Muslim.”
He said the Afghan students were the ambassador of their country, adding peace and progress can only be ensured in any country when its people are well aware of their rights as well as responsibilities.
