Herat: Emergency committee to address returnees’ needs

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): An emergency committee consisting of government agencies and private sector representatives has been established to address the situation of Afghan returnees from Iran in western Herat province, an official said on Sunday.

Governor spokesman Mufti Mohammad Youfus Syedi said the decision to form the body was made at a meeting led by Governor Sheikh Maulana Noor Ahmad Islamjar, and attended by a large number of traders, industrialists, and officials from various unions at the provincial government.

At this meeting, the situation of returnees and ways to provide them with immediate support was discussed, especially providing food, shelter and job opportunities, Mufti Syedi added.

The governor, while expressing appreciation for the cooperation of private sector, emphasized the need for greater coordination between relevant institutions and the private sector, and stated that the process of returning refugees from Iran was continuing rapidly and addressing their basic needs was a shared responsibility of all.

On the other hand, businessmen and representatives of various unions welcomed the initiative of the local administration and pledged to cooperate fully in various sectors, especially in providing jobs in the Herat Industrial City.

According to available statistics, nearly 8,000 Afghan refugees enter Herat daily, individually and as families, through the Islam Qala border.

hz/ma