Media Update-2: United Nations Pakistan, 21 January 2026

This Media Update includes:

• Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the demolition of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound
• UNHCR - PRESS RELEASE : UNHCR hands over 48 Solarized Public Facilities worth PKR 1 billion to Government of Balochistan

Secretary-General

STATEMENT

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the demolition of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound

The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities' actions to demolish the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound. As he has repeatedly and unequivocally stated, including in his letter to the Prime Minister of Israel on 8 January 2026, the Sheikh Jarrah compound remains United Nations premises, and is inviolable and immune from any form of interference.

The Secretary-General views as wholly unacceptable the continued escalatory actions against UNRWA, which are inconsistent with Israel's clear obligations under international law, including under the Charter of the United Nations and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations.

The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to immediately cease the demolition of the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound, and to return and restore the compound and other UNRWA premises to the United Nations without delay.

Delivered by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, 20 January 2026

https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/statements/2026-01-20/statement-attributable-the-spokesperson-for-the-secretary-general-the-demolition-of-the-unrwa-sheikh-jarrah-compound

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UNHCR

PRESS RELEASE

UNHCR hands over 48 Solarized Public Facilities worth PKR 1 billion to Government of Balochistan

Quetta, 21 January - UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today handed over 48 solar-powered public facilities valued at approximately PKR 1 billion (USD 3.5 million) to the Government of Balochistan.

This landmark initiative delivers clean, reliable, and cost-efficient solar energy to key public institutions-including schools, universities, healthcare facilities, and technical training institutes-particularly in refugee-hosting districts.

Implemented during 2024-2025 with support from international donors including Global Affairs Canada, Germany's Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the project addresses long-standing challenges of unreliable grid electricity, frequent power outages, and high operational costs from diesel generators.

Among the facilities solarized is the Bolan Medical Complex, supported by UNHCR's private partner, LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

The official handover ceremony took place at the Chief Minister's Office in Quetta, attended by Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan Ms. Philippa Candler, the Head of UNHCR Quetta Office, Mr. Tesfaye Bekele and senior government and UN officials.

By transitioning critical public facilities to renewable energy, the initiative ensures uninterrupted power supply, reduces reliance on the national grid, and significantly lowers recurring energy costs. These improvements are enabling institutions to deliver more consistent and higher-quality education and healthcare services across the province.

UN Resident Coordinator Mohamed Yahya commended the project's impact and acknowledged Pakistan's 45-year commitment to hosting Afghan refugees. He emphasized the importance of continued solidarity with refugee communities alongside support for host populations.

UNHCR Representative Ms. Philippa Candler highlighted that reliable energy is essential for sustaining public services and strengthening institutions that serve both Afghan refugees and host communities.

"As UNHCR, we deeply value this compassion and continue to encourage that the needs, dignity, and protection of refugees remain central, while we jointly strengthen services for all."

The solarized facilities will benefit nearly two million people annually-including students, teachers, healthcare workers, patients, refugees, and host community members.

The initiative also contributes to climate action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, supporting provincial and national climate priorities in one of Pakistan's most climate-vulnerable regions.

Media Contact Mr. Qaisar Khan Afridi UNHCR Pakistan Spokesperson +92-0300-9353123