ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the withdrawal of US and Nato forces from Afghanistan two years ago, the United Kingdom is taking a significant humanitarian step by offering refuge to Afghan evacuees who had been temporarily housed in hotels in Pakistan, their expenses covered by the United States and Nato.
This week marks the commencement of a heartening initiative to resettle these Afghan refugees in the UK.
The operation involves a well-planned effort with about a dozen chartered flights, departing from Islamabad International Airport, transporting Afghan refugees to the United Kingdom every week. This comprehensive flight operation has been meticulously designed to facilitate the relocation of Afghan refugees and is slated for completion by the end of December.
In preparation for the endeavor, a special delegation representing the UK High Commission has engaged in fruitful discussions with various Pakistani authorities. These discussions involved key stakeholders such as the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport Security Force, Anti-Narcotics Force, Customs, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The aim was to ensure the seamless execution of the flights and address logistical concerns.
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Each chartered flight, operating on a weekly basis, is anticipated to carry approximately 200 Afghan refugees to the UK. This thoughtful initiative is set to result in the relocation of over 2,000 Afghan refugees before the arrival of the Christmas holidays, providing them with the opportunity for a fresh start and a more secure future.
The lists of Afghan refugees eligible for resettlement were thoughtfully compiled by US and Nato intelligence agencies, taking into account those who had actively cooperated with the United States and Nato forces during the course of the conflict. This effort underscores the commitment of the United Kingdom to support those who had contributed to the cause of peace and security in Afghanistan.
