Peshawar, Pakistan. April 18, 2022
A local pastor called me (Nadeem Bhatti) two days ago to share about an Afghan refugee family who had crossed the border, at 10 am local time. In a conference call with the Afghan refugee “Adam” (name changed for security purposes) he informed me that it took them 45 minutes from the Turkham border to reach Peshawar city, KPK province.
Just last week “Adam” had prayed to God to take him a safe place, as his life was in danger from the new government in Afghanistan. Adam told us that on Sunday April 2nd he had a dream in which a man in pure white clothes and white hair was standing near his bed. This man spoke to him and encouraged him to leave for Pakistan, and that HIS people would contact him once he reached there.
Though “Adam” said he did not know anyone in Pakistan, this pastor had actually met Adam during his previous evangelistic trips. Adam told us that for the last two days he has been praying and expecting this call.
Adam is keen to know about Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter. His English is limited.
I encouraged the family to register with UNHCR Peshawar. Apparently the first night they slept in a local park under a tree, but they have now rented a small room. Unaccustomed to the 26 degrees C weather, the family can hardly sleep. His wife is expecting a baby girl and is in the last 8 months of her pregnancy. His three-and-a-half-year-old son is also not feeling well.
After registering with UNHCR, in the Peshawar office his wife also needs to get a doctor’s appointment. She needs financial assistance for medical needs.
There are 4.3 million Afghan Refugees that have arrived in Pakistan after the Americans’ evacuation.
The Canadian Government has announced that they will be taking 40K Afghan Refugees; so far around 10K have been provided refuge in various provinces and locations.
Canadian Aid to Persecuted Christians (CAPC), advocates providing refuge to Afghan Refugees that are stranded in Pakistan. They are living in fear and in vulnerable situations. They are living in a small neighborhood pocket and are afraid of raids and arrest by the local authorities. They are also in great need of humanitarian aid, food, shelter and medicines.