ISLAMABAD: US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Olson called on Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here Saturday and exchanged views on the issue of Afghan refugees and efforts by Pakistan to streamline movement of goods and people across Pak-Afghan border.
Ambassador Olson extended felicitations to Ishaq Dar on the recent economic achievements, including record tax revenue collection and the highest level of forex reserves.
These accomplishments, he said, had become possible due to the commitment and hard work of the Finance Minister and his team for strengthening the economy.
Ambassador Olson, while discussing matters relating to the Afghan refugees, said Pakistan’s contribution in hosting the Afghan refugees was acknowledged and commended by the international community.
He said safe, early and permanent repatriation of refugees to their homeland was a priority. He expressed support for efforts aimed at strengthening Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.
Ishaq Dar said it was imperative to agree on a detailed roadmap for safe and honourable repatriation of Afghan refugees.
He apprised the US official of his detailed interaction with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the issue.
He said performance benchmarks needed to be put in place to ensure that the agreed timelines for repatriation can be met.
