Gull, a long-time resident of the Khaliqabad refugee camp in Balochistan, fears for her family’s future. Originally from Afghanistan, Gull has lived in Pakistan for decades, but now the possibility of being forced back to a war-torn homeland, where girls’ education is banned, haunts her daily. Her sons, who work at a local dentist’s shop, have seen their business decline due to the ongoing deportation crisis. Inflation has made it increasingly difficult for them to afford even the most basic necessities. To support her family, Gull and her daughters have resorted to crafting handmade embroidery and other handicrafts, but the income is meager and uncertain. Gull’s story is just one of many in Pakistan, a country that has hosted Afghan refugees for over 40 years. Since the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, millions of Afghans have fled their homeland, seeking safety across the border in Pakistan.
Balochistan, in particular, has been a refuge for countless families, with international organizations like the United Nations, World Food Programme, and the ICRC stepping in to provide essential aid. Yet, despite decades of assistance, the situation for Afghan refugees remains fraught with challenges. In recent years, the U.S. has raised concerns that funds provided to Pakistan for Afghan refugees were not utilized effectively. During General Musharraf’s rule, allegations surfaced that welfare funds were mismanaged by the Pakistani government, leading to a reduction in support from the U.S. Consequently, many refugees like Gull have seen a decline in the resources available to them.
Despite these hardships, Afghan refugees have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economy through their labor and entrepreneurial ventures. However, their growing population and the involvement of some in criminal activities have raised concerns among the local authorities. In response, Pakistan has begun to deport undocumented Afghan refugees, utilizing modern technology like eye scanning to manage the process. The phased deportation plan, which started in 2023, initially targeted 500,000 refugees. The second phase, initiated in June 2024, aims to deport an additional 800,000.
However, for many refugees who have built their lives in Pakistan, the thought of returning to an unstable Afghanistan is a terrifying prospect. They worry not only about their safety but also about the future of their children, especially in terms of education. Refugees like Rahima echo Gull’s concerns. Rahima values the independence she has found in Pakistan, where she can work and shop freely, but she faces severe challenges in accessing education and healthcare due to her refugee status.
Private schools demand fees that are far beyond her reach, and government institutions often deny her access altogether. Hakeema, who has lived in Pakistan for over 40 years, shares similar experiences. Discrimination is a daily reality for her, with frequent refusals of medical treatment and exclusion from government schools. While some Afghan refugees have managed to adapt to life in Pakistan, maintaining connections with their homeland through properties and businesses, many, like Hakeema, remain caught in a cycle of uncertainty and hardship.
The Pakistani government, meanwhile, views the continued presence of Afghan refugees as a growing burden, citing increased crime rates and the strain on public resources. Yet, as the deportation process continues, the challenges for those being sent back to Afghanistan are significant. Many have expressed a deep reluctance to return, pointing to the dangers and instability that persist in their homeland.
In conclusion, the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan is complex, with stories like Gull’s highlighting both the resilience and the struggles of those who have sought refuge across the border.
While they have contributed to the economy and found some freedoms, their future remains precarious as the government pushes forward with its deportation plans. A balanced and humane approach is needed to address the needs of both the refugees and the host country.