Appendix 5 continues ....

BILATERAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN AND THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN ON

THE VOLUNTARY RETURN OF REFUGEES

The Republic of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,

hereinafter referred to as the High Contracting Parties, Desiring to normalize relations and promote good-neighbourliness and

co-operation as well as to strengthen international peace and security in the

region Convinced that voluntary and unimpeded repatriation constitutes the

most appropriate solution for the problem of Afghan refugees present in the

Islamic Republic of Pakistan and having ascertained that the arrangements

for the return of the Afghan refugees are satisfactory to them, Have agreed as follows:

Article I

All Afghan refugees temporarily present in the territory of the Islamic

Republic of Pakistan shall be given the opportunity to return voluntarily to

their homeland in accordance with the arrangements and conditions set out

in the present Agreement.

Article II

The Government of the Republic of Afghanistan shall take all necessary

measures to ensue the following conditions for the voluntary return of

Afghan refugees to their homeland:

(a) All refugees shall be allowed to return in freedom to their homeland;

(b) All returnees shall enjoy the free choice of domicile and freedom of

movement within the Republic of Afghanistan;

(c) All returnees shall enjoy the right to work, to adequate living

conditions and to share in the welfare of the State;

(d) all returnees shall enjoy the right to participate on an equal basis in

the civic affairs of the Republic of Afghanistan. They shall be ensured equal

benefits from the solution of the land question on the basis of the Land and

Water Reform;

(e) All returnees shall enjoy the same rights and privileges, including

freedom of religion, and have the same obligations and responsibilities as any

other citizens of the Republic of Afghanistan without discrimination.

The Government of the Republic of Afghanistan undertake to implement these measures and to provide, within its possibilities, all necessary assistance in the process of repatriation.

To be continued...