Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Sunday said Pakistan has been one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting countries. The country has led by example in refugee protection For over four decades, he added.

In a message to mark World Refugee Day, the foreign minister said that "the people of Pakistan have demonstrated exemplary values of generosity, solidarity, and compassion towards the refugees in the country, showcased in Pakistan’s inclusive policies on public health, education, and livelihoods, including during the on-going COVID-19 response."

"The people of Pakistan have contributed more than their fair share of shouldering an international responsibility by hosting millions of refugees," FM said, adding, "Pakistan has also been playing a key role in facilitating sustainable peace in Afghanistan."

Qureshi further added that in pre-pandemic and COVID-compounded socio-economic and health challenges especially for developing countries that host millions of refugees necessitate global political and financial support that meets the needs of host communities and large refugee populations.