PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN — A toll-free helpline named "Marsta" (0800-02828) has been introduced by Blue Vans, a local social organization in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the United Nations agency IOM Pakistan. The initiative aims to assist homeless Afghans, particularly victims of gender-based and violence, by providing information and support to access legal, psychological, protective, and other referral services.

A ceremony was held at a local hotel in Peshawar to inaugurate the helpline, attended by representatives from United Nations agencies, local civil society organizations, government agencies, and various sectors of life, along with representatives of the homeless Afghan community.

Participants emphasized the rising incidence of sexual and gender-based violence globally, including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing concern. While government institutions and social organizations work to prevent such incidents, victims often face challenges in accessing the necessary services.

The Marsta Helpline aims to facilitate access for victims of gender-based and violence among the displaced Afghan population.

Fazal Rabi, Director SSU, Afghan Commissionerate, emphasized the commitment of the Government of Pakistan and the Afghan Commissionerate to ensuring the security and protection of the Afghan community from harassment, violence, and abuse.

Ameer Hamza, Protection Coordinator of IOM in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighted the priority of supporting displaced Afghans to lead violence-free lives, acknowledging the crucial roles played by social organizations and the government in achieving this goal.

Qamar Naseem, program manager of Blue Vans, emphasized the importance of connecting victims, especially displaced Afghans, to institutions providing essential services such as legal and psychological support, aiming to enhance their lives promptly.