Report by Zubair Kasuri: For over four decades, Pakistan has opened its doors to refugees, showcasing unparalleled generosity and compassion. Currently, Pakistan hosts 1.33 million refugees and asylum-seekers, making it the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in the world. This enduring commitment to humanitarian values is a testament to Pakistan’s dedication to providing shelter to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Afghan Refugees: A Multi-Generational Crisis
The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan has its origins in the 1980s during the Soviet-Afghan war. Over time, as Afghanistan faced continuous turmoil, Pakistan became a sanctuary for millions of Afghans. Today, over 1.3 million Afghan refugees in Pakistan hold Proof of Registration (POR) cards, granting them legal protections and access to basic services. Despite these efforts, the crisis remains ongoing. In the wake of the 2021 transition of power in Afghanistan, approximately 700,000 additional Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan, further complicating the refugee landscape.
Vulnerable Groups and Diverse Nationalities
While Afghan refugees make up the majority of displaced persons in Pakistan, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR Pakistan) extends its mandate to other vulnerable groups. These include Afghan women and girls, journalists, human rights defenders, and those with ties to the former Afghan government or international organizations. Pakistan also hosts smaller refugee communities from conflict-ridden countries such as Myanmar, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria.
Resettlement: A Path to Safety and Hope
For the most vulnerable refugees, resettlement offers a critical opportunity for safety and a fresh start. UNHCR Pakistan’s Resettlement Program prioritizes individuals at extreme risk, including survivors of violence, vulnerable women and girls, those with severe medical conditions, and the elderly. Through resettlement, these refugees are given the chance to rebuild their lives in dignity and peace, often in third countries where they can integrate into society more fully.
Urgency and the Need for Global Solidarity
Despite Pakistan’s significant role in providing refuge, resettlement is vital to share responsibility on a global scale. It also addresses the urgent needs of refugees who face heightened risks within Pakistan’s borders. UNHCR Pakistan continues to advocate for increased resettlement quotas and calls for international cooperation to help relieve the strain on Pakistan’s resources while offering more vulnerable individuals a path to safety.
Key Challenges and Future Outlook
Pakistan’s efforts to assist refugees are commendable, but several challenges persist:
- Ongoing Arrivals: The volatile situation in Afghanistan and other conflict zones means refugees will continue to arrive, requiring ongoing support from Pakistan and the international community.
- Vulnerability Assessments: Identifying the most at-risk individuals for resettlement remains a complex task. Vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly need careful prioritization.
- International Cooperation: Increased resettlement quotas and faster, more efficient processes are essential for offering refugees a durable solution.
- Local Integration: While resettlement is crucial for some, local integration efforts within Pakistan must also be supported, ensuring those who remain can live dignified, self-sustaining lives.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s enduring role as one of the world’s largest Refugee-Hosting nations highlights the global scale of forced displacement and the need for collective action. While resettlement is not a solution for all, it provides a lifeline for the most vulnerable. UNHCR Pakistan’s tireless efforts emphasize the urgent need for increased international support, cooperation, and solidarity to protect and improve the lives of refugees residing within Pakistan’s borders.
