Pakistani Envoy and UNHCR Official Discuss Afghanistan’s Humanitarian Crisis
Mohammad Sadiq, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with Noriko Takagi, the new head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Pakistan, to discuss the critical humanitarian situation in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, November 4, Sadiq emphasized that the primary topics of their talks were the humanitarian crisis, major challenges on the ground, and the need to strengthen international cooperation. He did not provide further details on any agreements or specific plans from the meeting.
Noriko Takagi, appointed in October as the new UNHCR representative, brings nearly three decades of experience in refugee support and previously served as the agency’s representative in Myanmar.
These discussions took place amid Afghanistan’s ongoing wide-ranging humanitarian and economic crisis, compounded by a significant return of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries, mainly Pakistan and Iran, which has further complicated the situation.
According to international organizations’ projections, between April and December 2026, nearly 2.7 million Afghans may return from Pakistan and Iran. The United Nations response plan has announced a financial requirement of $529.2 million to provide emergency aid and support for returnees in Afghanistan.
Pakistan has undertaken extensive efforts to repatriate undocumented Afghans. However, the UNHCR has expressed concerns about safeguarding vulnerable Afghans who face serious risks if returned. In a separate meeting with Pakistani officials in October, Takagi stressed the importance of carefully assessing the situation of individuals whose lives and security may be under threat.
