The extended conflict in Afghanistan has forced millions of Afghan citizens to seek refuge in neighboring countries, with Pakistan hosting one of the largest populations of Afghan refugees in the world. The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan dates to the late 1970s, when the Soviet invasion triggered a massive influx of Afghans seeking safety and security. Over the years, waves of displacement occurred due to the rise of the Taliban regime and subsequent conflicts. In 1979, the Soviet Union intervened in Afghanistan to support the communist government, triggering armed resistance from various Afghan factions known as the Mujahideen. As the conflict intensified, Afghan civilians faced severe violence, human rights abuses, and displacement. Pakistan, situated on Afghanistan’s western border, became the most significant host country for Afghan refugees. Initially, Pakistan welcomed Afghan refugees and provided them with temporary shelter, food, and medical assistance. Refugee camps were established along the border regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
Following the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989, a period of instability and internal conflict ensued. The rise of the Taliban in the mid-1990s further escalated the violence and led to renewed waves of Afghan displacement. Millions of Afghans fled to Pakistan, adding to the existing refugee population. Pakistan faced numerous challenges in managing the influx of Afghan refugees. The vast numbers strained the country’s resources and infrastructure, leading to socio-economic pressures in the host communities. The Pakistani government, in collaboration with international organizations such as the (UNHCR), established policies to address the refugee situation. The recent developments in Afghanistan, including the Taliban’s return to power, have added a new dimension to the Afghan refugee crisis. The situation has sparked debates about the future of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, as well as their potential repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in third countries.
The government, in collaboration with the UNHCR, has been working to improve the legal status and documentation of Afghan refugees, including issuing or renewing PoR (Proof of Registration) cards. This documentation is crucial for refugees to access essential services and protection. With the changing situation in Afghanistan, repatriation efforts have become more challenging. The voluntary repatriation programs, which were previously aimed at assisting refugees who chose to return to Afghanistan, have faced setbacks due to security concerns and limited reintegration opportunities in their home country. The repatriation process has slowed down, and the focus has shifted to ensuring the safety and security of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
As of the present day, Pakistan is home to over 2.7 million registered Afghan refugees, while the number of undocumented refugees is estimated to be even higher. These refugees face numerous challenges, like Many Afghan refugees lack legal documentation, which limits their access to essential services and exposes them to exploitation. A significant portion of Afghan refugees struggle with poverty and unemployment, leading to limited access to education, healthcare, and decent living conditions. Despite some progress, access to quality education and healthcare remains a significant challenge for Afghan refugee children and families. Cultural, linguistic, and religious differences, coupled with xenophobia, can hinder social integration, leaving Afghan refugees vulnerable to discrimination and marginalization.
Numerous NGOs have been actively involved in assisting Afghan refugees in Pakistan. These organizations provide humanitarian aid, support healthcare initiatives, facilitate access to education, and offer livelihood opportunities for refugees. NGOs work in collaboration with the Pakistani government and international agencies to address the specific needs of Afghan refugees. Some countries have provided bilateral assistance to Pakistan for the welfare of Afghan refugees. This assistance may include financial aid, technical expertise, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions and protection of Afghan refugees.
Regional and international forums, such as the (SAARC), the (OIC), and the United Nations, have addressed the Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan. These forums provide platforms for dialogue, coordination, and resource mobilization to support the Pakistani government in managing the refugee situation. International humanitarian aid organizations and development agencies have contributed to addressing the needs of Afghan refugees. These agencies provide emergency relief, assistance in the areas of health and education, and long-term development programs to improve the resilience and self-reliance of refugee communities.
Some political leaders in Pakistan may advocate for a humanitarian approach, emphasizing the importance of providing support and assistance to Afghan refugees. They may stress the need for ensuring their basic rights, access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities. These leaders may view hosting Afghan refugees as a moral obligation and prioritize their well-being. Some political leaders may express concerns about security implications associated with hosting Afghan refugees. They may argue that the presence of a large refugee population can strain resources and potentially pose security challenges. These leaders may call for enhanced border management, security screening, and measures to prevent any potential threats. Political leaders may have varying perspectives on the socio-economic impact of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Some may highlight the potential benefits, such as economic contributions through labor and trade, while others may raise concerns about competition for resources and job opportunities, particularly in areas with limited resources and high unemployment rates.
Political leaders may emphasize the importance of international cooperation and burden-sharing in addressing the Afghan refugee situation. They may call for increased support from the international community, including financial assistance, capacity-building, and resettlement opportunities, to alleviate the pressure on Pakistan’s resources and help find sustainable solutions for the refugees. Political leaders may discuss the need for facilitating voluntary repatriation and the safe return of Afghan refugees to their home country. They may advocate for creating conducive conditions in Afghanistan to ensure the sustainable reintegration of returning refugees, focusing on peacebuilding, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities.
The current situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan remains challenging, with issues such as legal status, economic hardships, and limited access to essential services continuing to impact their lives. It is crucial for the Pakistani government, international organizations, and the global community to work together to ensure the well-being, protection, and integration of Afghan refugees, considering the complex dynamics and evolving circumstances in Afghanistan.
The write is currently a student of Defense and Diplomatic Studies at Fatima Jinnah Women University, Islamabad.
