Afghan daily-wagers in Mianwali await govt assistance.

Byline: Khurshid Anwar Khan

MIANWALI -- The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown across the country have adversely affected daily wagers at the Afghan refugee camp in Kot Chandna.

The number of refugees at the camp was 180,000 in 1982-83 after which they started moving out to other parts of the district and the country to earn a livelihood.

As per the most recent National Database and Registration Authority records, the number of registered Afghan refugees in Mianwali district was approximately 28,000 and 12,984 at Kot Chandna.

The current generation of the refugees was even born at the camp during or after the Afghan war. These refugees were funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for food, health and education facilities besides free water and electricity supply.

As soon as the repatriation process started, the number of these refugees decreased and UNHCR curtailed its support to only health and education. The refugees were left with no choice but to take up daily-wage or other petty jobs to make both ends meet.

With no income in lockdown, refugees want inclusion in Ehsaas programme

However, the current pandemic and the subsequent countrywide lockdown have left them with no sources of income. The refugees tried to seek help through the Ehsaas programme, but to no avail.

Bilal Sodai narrated his tale to Dawn and sought urgent help for over 50 physically challenged Afghans, including himself, and other helpless daily wagers at the camp. He said he had sought help...

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