Afghan Refugees – What can Pakistan do differently this time around?

In Blog, Human Security
August 13, 2021
Mahnoor Islam
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As the American and NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan, there is an apprehension about the possibility of an influx of refugees in Pakistan. Historically, there has always been movement on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border however the most significant period of migration took place in 1979 after the Soveit-Afghan War. Currently, Pakistan hosts more than 1.4 million

As the American and NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan, there is an apprehension about the possibility of an influx of refugees in Pakistan. Historically, there has always been movement on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border however the most significant period of migration took place in 1979 after the Soveit-Afghan War. Currently, Pakistan hosts more than 1.4 million registered Afghans and 3 million undocumented Afghan refugees.

Pakistan’s policy towards Afghan refugees has been liberal. The 1973 Constitution protects freedom of movement only for Pakistani citizens however since Pakistan is a signatory of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which provides the right for freedom of movement and choice of residence. Thus, Pakistan allowed refugees to settle wherever they wish. Pakistan did not put any travel restrictions on the refugees. Pakistan has not ratified the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees which sets out the rights of asylum seekers and refugees however Pakistan is bound by the international human rights law and the tripartite agreement executed with Afghanistan and UNHCR in 2003.

What Pakistan needs to do better this time around is create a comprehensive policy which can be done by analysing the current situation by collecting relevant information and conducting in depth data research. Through this, the government should be able to draft appropriate policy options addressing different refugee concerns. It is important to engage all stakeholders such as donors, policy makers and international organizations in order to create solutions that can be successful.

As Pakistan is a developing country itself, it can only host a certain number of refugees. Thus, by engaging different countries within the region and collaborating with countries who have different capacities and resources can prove to be beneficial for Pakistan and can reduce the economic burden on the state.

After the Soviet-Afghan war, Pakistan faced a crisis of drug and gun smuggling. Pakistan is in no position to face a similar situation therefore Pakistan should work with the Afghan government, stakeholders and organizations such as the UNODC to combat and address smuggling, human trafficking and other transnational crimes. Pakistan also needs to work with the Afghanistan government regarding arrangements regarding asylum seeker claims and settlements.

Registration of refugees should be the first step which covers all relevant data needed for the government such as skills, education level, age, region and any other important characteristics from the start. Registration is a good way to keep track of who is entering the country legally. Furthermore, there should be an expansion of temporary or permanent visa categories to accommodate the displaced. Visa categories should include emergency, humanitarian, family unity and student visas which are provided directly from embassies in the host states.

Along with Humanitarian aid to vulnerable people, Pakistan also needs to think in terms of development that builds the capacity of the refugees. Many refugees will have certain skills, qualifications and experience that can help Pakistan grow economically. Pakistan should create opportunities for refugees and should allow them to establish their such setups which will in return generate revenue for the government and refugees.

In conclusion, due to its location and the rising insurgency in Afghanistan, Pakistan may host millions of refugees. Through a comprehensive policy, Pakistan needs to come up with solutions faced in the 1990s and the possible problems it may face now. It needs to develop a strategy which protects its national security and is in accordance with its international obligations. Pakistan needs to take a strategic approach built upon the lessons learnt from the previous war and its fallouts in order to effectively respond to the upcoming refugee influx.