Visiting Islamabad, Azizi vows to provide facilities to returning Afghan traders

Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi said during his visit to Islamabad that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) would provide facilities to returning traders. He also announced tax and customs exemptions.

Azizi said in a meeting with Afghan businessmen and migrants living in Pakistan that measures have been taken to facilitate voluntary return, resettlement and to improve the living conditions of returnees in Afghanistan, according to a press release from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

He also announced the establishment of a high commission to resolve the problems of migrants, the establishment of a special camp to organize and provide facilities to returning businessmen and manufacturers, and also spoke about tax and customs exemptions.

Azizi stressed the need for bilateral dialogue to find appropriate solutions to the repatriation of Afghan refugees and called for the voluntary return of refugees based on UNHCR standards, including safe and dignified return.

He also stressed the importance of consultation and coordination with the Afghan government, international donors and regional stakeholders to support the process of hosting, returning and reintegrating Afghan refugees.

Leading a delegation, Azizi arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday. The visit comes as Pakistan has stepped up its deportation of Afghan refugees.