MP GORDON Prentice has called for the British government to persuade Pakistan to open its borders to Afghan refugees.
The Labour backbencher tackled International Development Secretary Clare Short on the issue asking her to raise the issue with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. She said she hoped that there could be a change of heart over the country's refusal to allow in refugees from Afghanistan and revealed that 100 refugee camps were being prepared on the Pakistani side of the border -- "a hopeful sign''.
But she warned that a massive influx of refugees would pose major problems for Pakistan which would require international help.
Mr Prentice welcomed her comments and said the refugee crisis -- with millions of asylum seekers already in the country -- put "an incredible strain on the country's resources.
Pakistan is getting a debt relief package, but much more is needed.''
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