**UNHCR and Partners Launch LED Bulb Production Unit to Support Afghan Refugees in Peshawar**
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have inaugurated an LED bulb production unit in Naguman Refugee Village, Peshawar, marking a significant step towards fostering sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance among Afghan refugees.
The facility was officially opened by UNHCR’s Deputy Representative, Ms. Fumiko Kashiwa, alongside Mr. Shakeel Khan Safi, Commissioner for Afghan Refugees, KP. Supported by the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), the initiative brings together six Afghan refugee men and women to operate a group-led LED bulb business. This venture not only creates employment opportunities but also empowers the refugee community to pursue entrepreneurship and economic independence.
The LED bulb production unit is a component of UNHCR’s broader mission to empower Afghan refugee women and provide meaningful, income-generating opportunities, promoting gender equality and social inclusion. By equipping refugees with practical skills and supporting small businesses, the programme aims to enhance community resilience and reduce dependency on aid.
During her visit to Peshawar, Ms. Kashiwa also engaged with urban female outreach volunteers, reaffirming UNHCR’s ongoing commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms for refugees while improving access to livelihoods, health, and education services.
Through collaborative efforts with government entities such as the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions and partner organizations, UNHCR continues to light the path towards opportunity, resilience, and a brighter future for Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
