Challenges Faced by Afghan Refugees in Pakistan: A Critical Examination

Blaming Afghan refugees in Pakistan: A Discussion

The Pakistan government's directive for all undocumented migrants to depart the country by October 31 has placed hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees in a precarious situation. The interim government in Islamabad maintains that its decision isn't directed at any specific nationality, but given the substantial Afghan refugee population in Pakistan, the target is evident. 

Throughout the decades, Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees, with most escaping the violence of their war-torn homeland. The United Nations reports about 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees, and another 8,80,000 with legal status to remain. However, Pakistan's Interior Ministry claims that around 1.7 million people are residing "illegally," with the majority being Afghans.

After the Taliban regained control of Kabul in 2k21, it is estimated that at least 6 Lakgs Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan. Many had also fled during the Soviet military intervention in the 1980s. Pakistan's directive stipulates that these individuals must depart voluntarily or risk detention and deportation. The country has already established deportation centers to gather and repatriate "illegal" migrants. Thousands find themselves stranded on the Afghan-Pakistan border, while others live in fear of arrest and violence in Pakistan. Consequently, the UN has issued a warning about an impending "humanitarian tragedy."