Japan announces $3.7m for Afghan refugees, host communities in country.

Byline: Amin Ahmed

ISLAMABAD -- The JapaAnese government announAced on Monday a contribution of $3.7 million to support UN refugee agency's programmes and activities for Afghan refugees and host communities in Pakistan.

The three-year project will focus on education, livelihood assistance and community structures in BaloAchistan, Khyber PakhtunAkhwa and Punjab, benefittAing over 240,000 individuals.

Ambassador of Japan MaAAtsuda Kuninori and RepreAsentative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) NoAAriAko Yoshida signed an agrAeAement at a ceremony in IslAAamabad. Chief CommisAsioAner for Afghan Refugees Saleem Khan was present on the occasion.

'Acquiring education and vocational skills is vital for the social inclusion of AfAAgAhan refugees. In this projAect, we will continue to provide financial support, which will greatly contribute to the stability and peace in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Peace and stability are the preconditions for achieving voluntary repatriation and sustainable reintegration in Afghanistan,' said the Japanese ambassador.

Ms Yoshida...