PAKISTAN has been a longstanding host to Afghan refugees, and this responsibility has grown significantly over the past two years since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. According to the latest figures released by UNHCR, over six hundred thousand Afghans have sought asylum in Pakistan during this period. In addition to these newcomers, Pakistan already hosts 1.3 million Afghan refugees who possess Proof of Registration Cards. We believe the figure of unregistered Afghan refugees also hover between one to two million.
Such a huge refugee population is definitely an extra burden on the country’s economy which is already in dire straits. The presence of a massive refugee population affects local businesses. Some industries might experience growth due to increased demand, while others may suffer due to increased competition and fluctuating consumer patterns. The healthcare and education sectors also face substantial challenges. Providing access to medical-care and education for refugees strains these systems, potentially compromising their quality for both refugees and locals. It is really unfortunate that the international community has not extended any worthwhile support to share the burden of the refugee population which also poses an internal security problem for Pakistan. It is widely believed that due to the presence of these refugees, terrorists get a safe and easy station to carry out their terrorist activities. An influx of refugees strains social cohesion within communities. Tension can arise due to competition for resources, leading to conflicts that may have security implications. The porous Pak-Afghan border has historically been challenging to manage. A large refugee population also increases the risk of illegal border crossings and smuggling activities, further impacting security. Inadequate living conditions and lack of opportunities can make refugees vulnerable to radicalization. Whilst Pakistan has always shown open heartedness towards Afghans, time has come to take the requisite steps for their early and honourable return to their homeland. For this purpose, the international community will have to come forward in a big manner to support not only these Afghan refugees but create the necessary pull factor back in Afghanistan. By working together, the international community can help alleviate the burden on Pakistan while promoting stability in the region.
