Thanks, Chair.
Thanks again to the witnesses for clearly highlighting how urgent it is for Canada to step up and do what we can to help these Afghan women and children, all Afghans who are in dire need, and the human rights defenders.
I agree with you, Ms. Armstrong. In 20 years, we did make a difference, in that there's a whole generation of women and girls who got an opportunity they'd never had before, and I honestly believe that some of them down the road will help take Afghanistan to the next steps. That's the seed of optimism, if I can have any with how terrible the situation is.
My first question is for you, Ms. Barr. It's about Pakistan, where you're situated, and the importance of the pressure that's coming. Is there pressure within Pakistan itself about the safety network there for those Afghans who are getting out? They are either being turned back.... Is the Taliban putting pressure, through its networks, to target these individuals? The previous witnesses talked about those hit lists that are out there. They're going after these human rights defenders, these targeted minorities, etc.
Can you expand on how important it is to act urgently? What's the situation of support in Pakistan?