Pakistan's Afghan Refugee Dilemma: A Legacy of Broken Promises

Abstract

Meanwhile, Pakistan has been bearing the humanitarian and economic cost of provision of shelter to Afghan refugees for near 50 years. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 led to a mass exodus, and initially international support of Pakistan's efforts grew strong but waned away leaving Pakistan to bear the brunt of unfulfilled obligations by the world. In this research paper we look at the historical context by which Afghan refugees came about in Pakistan, the policy shifts and socio economic impacts experienced by Afghan refugees in exile. The first examines the impact of global politics, security concerns and economic constraints on Pakistan’s most recent deportation practices. To assess the long-term implications of this crisis, the study uses qualitative and quantitative methods, including both policy reviews and case studies, statistical data, as well as other factors. The tough lot of Pakistan refugees has been made worse by international neglect in addition to shooing off what the country perceives as geopolitical priorities. At the end of the paper, recommendations on sustainable refugee management are presented, which include that it is time for other global stakeholders to effectively take over and provide for humanitarian protection.