Research Problem

We have chosen to research and prepare our project on the Afghan Refugee Crisis in Pakistan.

Justification
Pakistan has provided shelter to one of the world’s largest refugee populations. More than five
million Afghan refugees have been living in Pakistan since 1979. Continued violence and
political and economic disturbances in Afghanistan has stopped the refugees to return and
resulted in the continued rise of Afghan refugees into Pakistan.
Over the years, Afghan refugees have become a serious concern for Pakistan and a burden in
Pakistan-Afghan relations due to domestic constraints, weak economy and the growing threat
of terrorism. Therefore it is important for us to research and investigate some solutions for this
problem.

Objectives

 Give background details and history about Afghan Refugees.

 Explain the factors that lead to mass migration of Afghans to Pakistan during the war
against USSR
 List down the number of Afghan refugees at the time of war and areas of Pakistan in which
they are settled.
 Explain how Afghan refugees impacted the economy of Pakistan.
 Identify the problems that were faced by Pakistan in terms of their rehabilitation or
settlement.
 How is their social relationship with Pakistani society.
 Mention the role of Afghans in terrorism and crimes in Pakistan
 List some steps which are taken by Pakistan and UN to repatriate Afghan refugees.
Significance
Currently, there are 3 million registered and unregistered Afghan refugees, however, the
number of unregistered refugees is believed to be far greater since movement across the Pak-
Afghan border has been unmonitored, therefore making it very difficult give an accurate
number of unregistered refugees. As a result, Pakistan’s has been the most vulnerable country
to mass movement, militants, trafficking of drugs and arms from Afghanistan. It is also
estimated that during the past 40 years, Pakistan has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on
hosting Afghan refugees.
Moreover, the wave of violence and terrorist that hit Pakistan after the horrific attack on the
Army Public School and College (APS), Peshawar on December 16, 2014 is an example that
repatriation is needed.

Limitations
Nearly 40 years have passed since the start of the refugee crisis and two generations of Afghans
in Pakistan have known only this country as their home. This can act as a limitation to our
research as it might be difficult to find the appropriate solution because it may be difficult for
most Afghans to return to their homeland as they have been living in Pakistan for over 40 years
now.

Methodology
We will carry out qualitative research which will include searching for in depth interviews with
refugees. We will also try to find videos on refugee camps and understand the refugee concerns
about repatriation.