A delegation from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), led by Philippa Candler (Head of UNHCR in Pakistan), met with Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb, Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in Islamabad, to address humanitarian aid and challenges facing Afghan migrants in Pakistan.
Kabul 24: The meeting, reported on February 13, 2026, by sources including Ariana News and the Afghan Embassy, emphasized the situation of remaining Afghan refugees, students, and other nationals in Pakistan, as well as support for returnees.
Ambassador Shakeeb welcomed the delegation, praised UNHCR’s monitoring and advocacy, but noted that aid remains limited and insufficient.
He stated: “Although the assistance is limited, it is praiseworthy that UNHCR continues to highlight the problems of refugees.”Philippa Candler acknowledged financial constraints while reaffirming UNHCR’s commitment to maximum possible support.
Charlie Goodlake (Senior External Relations Officer) highlighted that UNHCR provided about $25 million in aid to returnees from Pakistan and Iran in 2025, with continued coordination with the Afghan government.Both sides stressed ongoing cooperation and strengthened efforts for refugees and returnees amid large-scale returns and humanitarian pressures.
