The process of registering people from Afghanistan as refugees has not started yet, which is causing problems for people entering Pakistan in finding temporary shelter. Hundreds of such people arrive in Chaman every day, mainly belonging to the Kandahar province of Afghanistan. They are allowed to enter Pakistan as part of the agreement between the two countries.
Kandahar Khan crossed the border with his family a few days ago and reached Chaman. He says his relatives are also leaving Kandahar for Pakistan. Now, however, they are facing financial difficulties on arrival in Pakistan.
“Because the International Organization for Refugees and the local administration have neither registered them as Afghan refugees nor provided them with any facilities, they are now living in a makeshift tent here,” Kandahar says.
Like him, many people from Afghanistan are currently suffering from financial problems after arriving in Pakistan.
A group from the Christian community has started helping people who come to Chaman and are in need of assistance. These volunteers have started distributing rations to people.
Ayaz Gill, from the local Christian community, provides food and other necessities to Afghan refugees. “As a resident of Chaman, I consider it my duty to help those in trouble here,” says Gill.
