ISLAMABAD Pakistan and Untied Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Thursday signed a landmark agreement to conduct a joint screening process for Afghans who have fled to Pakistan to escape the drought and conflict in their homeland.

Those Afghans found to be in need of protection and assistance will be allowed to temporarily stay in Pakistan, UNHCR and Pakistani officials told a press conference in Islamabad.

"It is a major breakthrough and a significant step forward, which will ensure the proper protection of all those Afghans who deserve it," said UNHCR representative in Pakistan Hasim Utkan after the signing ceremony, IRNA reported.

Safdar Javed sayed, the additional secretary in the Ministry of States and Frontier Region, represented the Pakistani side while UNHCR representative in Pakistan Hasim Utkan signed the agreement on behalf of UNHCR.

Javed said the screening will cost U.S. $6,80,000 which will complete in three to four months. Eight to ten cases will be dealt daily, he said. The screening will help identify genuine refugees who need protection, Javed added.

Under the agreement, 30 joint UNHCR and Pakistan teams will begin the screening of the Afghans in Jalozai and Nasir Bagh in the north west frontier province. Within three weeks, the teams will be increased to 55 and will eventually cover the new Shamshatoo Refugee Camp.

An estimated 180,000 Afghans live in the three refugee settlements. UNHCR's team, which is led by a senior legal officer, consists of eight legal specialists. The screening will begin two weeks after the signing of the agreement.

He said that those refugees who will be screened out in the campaign, will be sent back to Afghanistan, before being kept in a refugees camp near the eastern city of Jalalabad.

Taliban have decided to establish a camp in Jalalabad the capital of Ningrhar Province for those refugees who are being repatriated by Pakistan.

Afghans whose cases are rejected would have the right to appeal. However, once a final decision is made, they would have to return home.

UNHCR has urged the authorities to treat those screened out in accordance with international human rights standards and allow for the phased return of vulnerable Afghans.

Replying to a question, the Pakistani official said that his country will not allow any more Afghans to cross its border. Pakistan has already sealed border for Afghans who flee the country due to war and drought.