Refugee Challenges Beyond Borders: Afghan Displacement and Pakistan Policy

Response in the Post-2021 Era.

Abstract:

Since the fall of the Afghan government in 2021, Pakistan has faced renewed humanitarian
challenges as thousands of Afghans fled across the border. This study examines Pakistan’s
policy response through a human security lens, using thematic analysis of interviews with
refugees, aid workers, and policymakers, alongside policy documents and media sources.
Findings show that Pakistan’s initial focus prioritized border control and repatriation, driven
by security concerns and resource constraints. Afghan refugees report major hardships,
including limited access to documentation, healthcare, education, and employment. Despite
these gaps, Pakistan’s historical role as a major refugee-hosting country and its ongoing
collaboration with international agencies reflect significant humanitarian efforts. Officials
cite legitimate security and economic pressures shaping their policies. Applying the human
security framework reveals how current approaches impact the economic, health, and
political well-being of displaced populations. The study recommends easing registration
processes, expanding livelihood opportunities, and deepening regional cooperation to balance
humanitarian needs with security priorities. Limitations include the qualitative case study
design and the rapidly changing regional dynamics. Nonetheless, this research offers a
nuanced understanding of Pakistan’s evolving refugee policy and stresses the need for rights
based, multi-dimensional strategies to address displacement challenges in the post-2021 era.

Keywords: Afghan Refugees; Pakistan Policy; Post 2021 Displacement; Qualitative

Research; Human Security.

Introduction:

The years of warfare in Afghanistan have led to multiple displacement crises most
remarkably since the Taliban took control in August 2021(Instability in Afghanistan | Global
Conflict Tracker, n.d.). The U.S. military disengagement and Afghan government instability
initiated massive refugee movements that led people to find refuge in Pakistan and other
neighbors (Amir & Alqama, 2025).
The increased number of Afghan refugees are posing challenges to Pakistan as it seeks to
protect its security while handling restricted finances alongside international treaties (Anwar
et al., 2021).

The situation of Afghan refugees extends beyond border migrations because it directly affects
regional stability and security as well as human rights protection (Afghanistan, 2025). When
Afghan people fled their homes, it created a significant social and economic consequence for
host communities whose labor markets and services alongside their economic base suffered
devastating effects. Refugees frequently became a matter of political interference which led
nations to develop security-related statements and to create a new policy framework for
protection of their borders. The continuous domestic economic turmoil alongside geopolitical
stresses thereafter faced by Pakistan forced it to adopt major changes to its refugee policies
while demanding scholarly attention to this matter (Pakistan’s Hard Policy Choices in
Afghanistan | International Crisis Group, n.d.).

Understanding the complete humanitarian nature of the Afghan refugee crisis depends on
both economic and security factors. The refugees suffer severe challenges because they do
not have access to fundamental needs which include educational possibilities combined with
medical care (Sumra et al., 2025) and legal defense (Paving Pathways for Refugee Inclusion,
n.d.). The solution demands a broad policy structure which combines national interests of
Pakistan with humanitarian perspective.

Methodology:

The present study used the qualitative exploratory design which was rooted in the inductive
approach in investigating the complex nature of the Afghan displacement and the changing
policy solutions present across Pakistan. The qualitative inquiry was the choice because it is
more inclined to live experiences, policy interpretation, and analysis of expert attitudes due to
its focus on contextual depth instead of generalization.

Two main groups of people were involved in the collection of primary data: Afghan refugees
living in Pakistan, Afghan officials, national experts, policymakers, and security analysts.
These people were interviewed using a semi structured approach. Through a purposive
sample, interviewees were chosen based on an aspect of ensuring diverse opinions in terms of
humanitarian, socio-economic, or security ideas. Individual and institutional perspectives into
the refugee situation were sought in the interviews which were open ended.

NVivo was used in systematic coding and thematic organization with use of reflexive
thematic analysis to bring out some known patterns in some crucial domains. The coding was
repeated, and it was therefore analytically deep according to the purpose of the research.
Informed consent and confidentiality were adhered to and ethical clearance was also granted.

Limitations and Future Directions:

Though this research presents useful information about the Afghan exiles in Pakistan, it is
narrow in quality since it is limited by legal and security aspects that inhibited access to some
of such population. Regardless of the backing in NVivo, such an analysis as thematic analysis
is subjective at least to a certain degree. There is an influence on data consistency based on
the changing refugee policies and invisibility of the undocumented groups. Further studies
are urged to incorporate the use of the AI tools and participatory approaches, particularly in
regions that are poorly represented in the borders. There is need of longitudinal studies to
determine the intergenerational effects. Successful refugee governance requires an organized
collaboration of the policymakers, the technologists, and the local level participants.

Literature Review:

The migration of Afghan refugees, particularly in Pakistan, has always been a very
complicated issue to the host states. In scholarly literature, this phenomenon of refugee
influxes has been highlighted as producing multidimensional effects including those of
economic capacity, social cohesion, and political stability of the host nations (Jacobsen,
2002; Kosher, 2007). Institutional strength, domestic political will, and a changing
geopolitical interest, all tend to influence the response of the host state (Zetter, 2007;
Schmeidl, 2003). Although small numbers of refugees are partly informally absorbed into
low wage labor markets, overall, there is little system wide integration and attendance to
increase refugee access beyond long term patterns of marginalization and ambiguity in policy
(Turton & Marsden, 2002; Loescher & Milner, 2005). According to Loescher and Milner, it
can hardly be called altruism when accepting refugees, but it is performed rather strategically
to fulfill foreign policy goals.
Other recent literature also emphasizes the securitization of refugee flows as the states are
increasingly responding to this population, less based on humanitarian principles and more on
security based ones (Bigo, 2002); (Huysmans, 2006). These stories have justified the
challenging legal provisions, ad-mixture repatriation, and refusal of permanent residency or
citizenship rights. These processes are consistent with the global patterns where the mood
toward refuges is determined by the perceived dangers on sovereignty and internal prosperity
(Fiddian-Qasmiyeh et al., 2014). In addition, securitization lens re-designs the social
construction of refugees not only as victims of any conflict but as suspicious ones who
oppose their access to protection and permanent solutions. Some researchers have focused on
the resilience of transnational kinship networks and informal forms of coping (Monsutti,
2008), at the same time as the dominant policy strategy tends more towards a more logic of
deterrence and containment and a shift away from integration or inclusion.

In order to conceptualize this tension between security and humanitarianism, the human
security framework, especially that expounded by Barry Buzan (Crust, n.d.), presents a strong
analytical tool. As compared to conventional paradigms of security that entail the stability of
the state and territorial borders, human security is concerned with the dignity and safety of
individuals and particularly those vulnerable groups like refugees. This has been the method
used by scholars who criticize the disparities between state-focused discourses of security and
realities of displacement (Newman, 2010; Krause & Williams, 1997). Such circumstances
demonstrate a large disparity between the rhetorical pledges of hospitality, and the
proceduralization of refugee rights. Human security, as a theoretical framework, therefore,
shifts the focus of the analysis to the structural weaknesses of displaced communities instead
of the state sovereignty, providing more comprehensive insight into refugee governance in
post-2021 Pakistan.

Theoretical Framework:

The research investigates the many security threats affecting Afghan refugees in Pakistan
through the theoretical framework presented in Barry Buzan's Human Security Theory
(Security According to Buzan, n.d.). The Buzan’s security framework redirects security
analysis from state-based threats into individual community safety which creates vital ways
to study refugees’ vulnerable lives. The extended view of security provided by Human
Security Theory enables thorough research of vulnerabilities across military and political
frameworks and socio-economic circumstances of refugees (Alkire, 2016).
Human security according to Barry Buzan represents a multidimensional security concept
which belongs to the Copenhagen School of Security Studies (Mcsweeney, 1996).

Such a paradigm moves beyond state focused approaches to embrace seven fundamental
security aspects which include economic security, food security, health security,
environmental security, personal security, community security, and political security.
Economic security exists when a person can find and keep suitable work and achieve
financial stability besides acquiring sustainable ways to earn a living yet food security
ensures people can access and afford necessary nutrition. Health security includes provision
of medical services combined with disease protection while environmental security represents
the influence on natural elements on refugee health status (Vasile, 2024).

Personal safety includes shielding people from violence and crime together with safeguarding
human rights while community security works to maintain ethnic and cultural elements along
with fighting against religious-based discrimination. Political security addresses the twofold
challenge of obtaining formal legal status along with efficient government treatment and
freedom from all forms of political persecution or exclusion.

Human Security Theory offers a pertinent analytical framework to assess the precarious
conditions of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, wherein restrictive legal and systemic socio-
economic exclusion undermine their essential rights and human dignity (Ali et al., 2022).
Analyzing challenges through Buzan’s theoretical foundation provides a better understanding
that links individual issues into comprehensive assessments. This research aims at delivering
an academic review through human security examination of Afghan displacement and
demonstrating Pakistan's refugee policy effects. These refugee policies show how they either
help reduce or intensify the existing security challenges for displaced people which enables
better policy development.

The research study utilizes Human Security Theory to develop systematic methods to analyze
the Afghan refugee socioeconomic conditions in Pakistan. This research examines Pakistan's
policy effectiveness while assessing its refugee policies using seven security dimensions in
addition to studying the worldwide political and compassion-related impacts. This study
integrates theoretical comprehension into the analysis to construct academic arguments
between present-day security studies and refugee governance policies which can reinforce
sustainable and inclusive management for displaced people.
Analysis and Major Findings:

The following section presents information obtained through extensive interviews with
Afghan refugees together with Pakistani experts and Afghan officials. The analysis divided
the collected data into separate themes which spontaneously occurred during the interviews.
The section relates findings through direct quotations while following the participant-
generated issues. Following is the individual examination of the five themes that are
identified from the thematic analysis of the interviews to get a nuanced understanding of the
data.

i. Educational and Economic Motivations for Migration:

Educational and employment barriers within Afghanistan specifically targeting girls and
women function as the primary force pushing people to leave their home country. The
participants directly stated that the Taliban prohibition against women attending school
eliminated their chances for future possibilities in Afghanistan. For instance, Ismail explained
that:

“The Taliban's ban on girls' education compelled them to leave Afghanistan,” a sentiment
echoed by others. (Ismail Muhammad, Interview, Dec 12, 2024)

Zainab mentioned that,“restrictions on female education and employment influenced her

decision to seek refuge in Pakistan,” (Khan Zainab, Interview, Sep 25, 2024) highlighting her
concerns about being deprived of educational opportunities if forced to return. Saima,
similarly, stated that the

“ban on girls' education and women’s employment left her with no future prospects,”
prompting her migration. (Khan Saima, Interview, Sep 27, 2024)
The participants Salman and Ayesha clarified that educational barriers resulted in joblessness
and financial dependence. Salman stated his family moved to a Pakistan because of these
three main reasons.

“better educational and economic opportunities,” . while Ayesha expressed that her

“dreams of education became impossible under the Taliban’s rule.” . (Khan Ayesha,
Interview, Sep 27, 2024)

Thus, the interviews collectively indicate that the dual pressures of educational deprivation
and economic uncertainty have significantly influenced the decision-making process for
many Afghan refugees.

ii. Uncertainty Arising from Policy Changes and Suspension of Resettlement Programs:

External policy shifts routinely produce uncertainty in refugees and especially contribute to
the indefinite suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The suspension
established a prolonged state of uncertainty which refuges used to assess their possibilities for
resettlement. Ismail pointed out that the suspension resulted in three main consequences:

“has been devastating, increasing uncertainty” . (Khan Zainab, Interview, Sep 25, 2024) for
his family.

Despite maintaining hope Zainab now investigates multiple “alternative pathway”.

(Khan Zainab, Interview, Sep 25, 2024) possibilities including scholarships and
employment-based visas because of the policy changes introduced by the United States.
The temporary halt imposed by the U.S. policy pushed Saima and Salman to search for
asylum in Pakistan or other countries which made their plans for stability harder to
achieve.

Multiple interviewees show growing anxiety about their resettlement pathway which lacks
clarity and reliability. This situation motivates them to explore various alternative options
according to the interviews.

iii. Legal and Administrative Challenges in Documentation:

Refugees interviewed about their experiences expressed legal document-related issues
because of alterations to Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) and Proof of Registration (PoR)
policies. Ismail characterized the changing policies as “unfair” and explained they brought
large amounts of stress to refugees.

The interviewees Zainab and Saima highlighted the difficulties they faced in keeping their
paperwork current because policies kept changing explains Saima:

“complicate accessing essential services like healthcare, education, and legal rights.” .
(Khan Saima, Interview, Sep 27, 2024)

In his account Salman described the difficulties regarding documents renewals that led to
problems with accessing essential community services.

The comments show that legal and administrative hurdles have developed into severe
limitations which hinder Afghan refugees' ability to receive and sustain legal status in
Pakistan.

iv. Psychological Impact and Fear of Deportation:

The collected interviews showcase widespread among Afghan refugees a combination of fear
and mental distress due to persistent fears of removal from the United States. The participants
described their daily life as a constant state of emotional distress because of their worries
about police arrests and raids. Saira described how:

“the fear of deportation creates immense stress,”. (Khan Saira, Interview, Sep 29, 2024)

The researchers demonstrated how perpetual anxiety impacts people from different age
groups according to Ayesha and Khadija. The features of prolonged insecurity and anxiety
can inflict severe mental health problems because of the recent tragedy explained by Dr.
Attaullah in an interview, conducted by the author, where he explained how the ongoing
deportation process is creating immense anxieties and difficulties for Afghan refugees in
Pakistan.

Research reveals that deportation threats create considerable effects beyond administrative
and legal dimensions because they constitute a deep concern for these Afghan families.
 v. Gaps in NGO and Community Support:

Several key themes have emerged in the gathered data about the functions of NGOs alongside
assistance from local communities. A few participants thanked aid programs but many
observed major deficiencies in existing assistance networks. Zainab noted that she:

“appreciates the support from the Afghan community and NGOs”. (Khan Zainab, Interview,
Sep 25, 2024)

The services provided crucial assistance regarding food distribution and shelter protection as
well as legal assistance but she emphasized the missing elements which prevent “long-term
stability” including employment opportunities and legal documentation. The respondents rely
on both local networks and NGOs according to Saima and Ayesha but they also point out
that:

“gaps in healthcare, legal assistance, and refugee rights.” . (Khan Ayesha & Khan Saima,
Interview, Sep 27, 2024)

Salman and Khadija emphasized that community help has been useful yet the absence of
durable complete assistance measures creates future worry for numerous refugees. Although
temporary assistance exists now there is an essential requirement for lasting structured
assistance systems.

Expert Perspectives on Security, Diplomatic, and Long Term Policy Challenges:

Additional insights into the dynamic situation emerge from interviews with both Pakistani
experts and Afghan officials, who offer valuable perspectives on the intersection of national
security, diplomacy, and the economic considerations surrounding Afghan refugees. As these
experts explain, the policy atmosphere in Pakistan is shaped by a complex interplay of
national security imperatives, diplomatic realignments, and economic challenges.

Pakistani analyst Ihsanullah Tipu articulated the delicate position Pakistan faces, standing
between its moral obligation to provide shelter for Afghan refugees and its national security
responsibilities. As he noted, "Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads, torn between its
humanitarian duty and the pressing need to secure its borders against the potential threats
posed by militant groups." . (Tipu Ihsanullhah, Interview, March 03, 2025)
Further elaborating on these challenges, Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad and Tahir Khan both underscored
the complications arising from cross-border militancy and the changing diplomatic relations
between Pakistan and Afghanistan. According to Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad, policy shifts within
Pakistan were driven by "increasing fears of extremist groups and the growing security
concerns that often necessitate security-driven measures such as deportations." (Prof. Dr.
Ahmad Ishtiaq, Interview, May 04, 2025)

He emphasized that these policies, initially designed to counter extremism, have now become
a source of tension between the state and Afghan refugees.

In line with Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad comments, Tahir Khan expanded on Pakistan’s deportation
procedures, explaining that they are "framed within the context of national security and
economic stability." (Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ishtiaq, Interview, May 04, 2025)

Khan's perspective highlights the broader consequences of these policies, which frequently
impact Afghan refugees' daily lives. The deportation measures, designed to enhance security,
often place Afghan refugees in precarious positions, with little recourse to alternative forms
of legal protection or residency.

The suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and other international policies,
according to expert analysis, have compounded these challenges, particularly concerning
Pakistan's capacity to manage the influx of Afghan refugees. Experts expressed significant
doubts regarding the long-term prospects of foreign integration efforts for Afghan refugees,
citing issues related to work permits, citizenship, and the broader economic challenges facing
the host nation. As Dr. Rabia Akhtar explained, "The uncertainty surrounding refugee status
and employment rights exacerbates the vulnerability of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, making
it difficult for them to integrate economically and socially." . (Dr. Akhtar Rabia, Interview,
May 10, 2025)

Moreover, the management of Afghan refugees requires robust diplomatic relationships

between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries. Afghan officials, along with Akhtar,
emphasized the importance of cooperation between Pakistan, Tajikistan, the UAE, and other
regional players in formulating a comprehensive refugee management strategy. (Dr. Akhtar
Rabia, Interview, May 10, 2025), (Afghan Official, Interview, May 15, 2025)
As Dr.Rabia Akhtar stated, "A multi-lateral approach involving not just Pakistan but also
other regional stakeholders like Tajikistan and the UAE is essential for the success of refugee
management efforts." . (Dr. Akhtar Rabia, Interview, May 10, 2025)

These collaborations are crucial for alleviating some of the burden on Pakistan while
ensuring that Afghan refugees receive the support they need during their displacement.

In conclusion, the challenges surrounding the management of Afghan refugees in Pakistan

are deeply intertwined with broader security, diplomatic, and economic concerns. The policy
shifts and security driven measures, including deportations, alongside regional and
international diplomacy, form the crux of the ongoing discourse. The contributions of
scholars such as Tipu, Dr. Ahmad, Khan, Akhtar, and Afghan officials provide valuable
insights into the multifaceted nature of these challenges and the need for a coordinated, long
term solution to address the plight of Afghan refugees.

Discussion on Major Findings: (Pakistan Refugee Policy in Context)

People mainly migrate because they desire better educational opportunities and better
economic opportunities. Throughout the world people move to improve their access to top-
quality educational programs which build both their professional and economic futures (Haas
et al., 2020). The accessibility to higher quality educational services available in destination
countries drives migrants to acquire better jobs and achieve greater wage potential as they
become agents for economic growth and sector transformations (Education at a Glance 2016,
2016). The combination of poor domestic employment conditions and monetary stagnation
drives people to look for locations that can strengthen their life quality through education and
employment market benefits (Migration and Development: A Theoretical Perspective1 -
Hein de Haas, 2010, n.d.). Educational goals intertwine with economic aspirations to form
the complex nature of migration thus requiring policies that should support academic and
professional objectives.

Migrants together with asylum seekers experience major uncertainty due to policy changes
which freezes resettlement programs that ultimately harms their migration plans while
intensifying their vulnerabilities. When immigration policies change rapidly through stronger
border enforcement and reduced refugee acceptance numbers, it pushes numerous population
groups into dangerous situations while trapping them between countries and facing possible
forced returns (Issari et al., 2021). Political instability combined with economic crises causes
resettlement program suspensions which pushes forward both the integration process and
mental stress of displaced communities (Gibney, 2018).

These disruptions create multiple geopolitical and humanitarian problems through

international strain and cause host countries to face elevated refugee pressures (Hollifield et
al., 2014). Assembling inconsistent policies combined with unexpected modifications
damages the established protection systems that resettlement programs aim to establish
(BenEzer & Zetter, 2015).

The current digital age elevates documentation-related legal and administrative obstacles
since organizations need to fulfill rigorous compliance requirements to oversee expanding
electronic alongside paper document collections. Contemporary documentation follows three
main challenges: to maintain record authenticity and integrity while delivering secure access
and to achieve system integration of outdated methods with updated digital frameworks to
achieve proper record backup protocols for litigation prevention and regulatory penalty
prevention (7 Biggest Document Management Challenges | TechTarget, n.d.). The
implementation of documentation practices becomes more intricate because of administrative
burdens such as audit trail development and retention policy enforcement and cybersecurity
training for personnel which requires substantial technological investments and employee
training efforts (Document Review Challenges: Strategies for Law Firm Litigation
Professionals in 2024 | Integreon, n.d.). Organizations face the need to develop flexible
documentation methods that combine data protection through encryption as well as controlled
access with open disclosure and responsibility in law-related operations because of fast-
moving privacy regulations and data protection standards (Considerations of Disclosing
GenAI in ESI Protocols — Is Silence Golden? | Reuters, n.d.).

Psychological effects on undocumented immigrants result from their fear of deportation and
create ongoing stress together with feelings of anxiety and depression. Policies that
encourage increased surveillance together with immigration enforcement create worse
emotional distress because undocumented immigrants feel uncertain and alone (Bailey et al.,
2021). Data shows that undocumented children along with families encounter traumatic
experiences because of deportation scares which create emotional strain while impacting their
mental health negatively. Furthermore the fear of deportation drives people to avoid seeking
health care, education or legal help because of their concern about possible exposure (Hacker
et al., 2011). The extended period of distress affecting immigrants creates social
consequences by reducing community unit and deepening social economic disparities. The
resolution of psychological effects demands government policies which offer immigration
access combined with mental healthcare resources for population groups at risk.

Stakeholders identify perceived gaps in NGO and community support as a major issue
because NGOs struggle to meet their objectives despite attempts to fill the service gap
between government provision and local requirements because of resource allocation
mismatches and coordination difficulties and cultural connectivity obstacles (Nsah, 2023).
The gaps are notably present in areas where local organizations operate more effectively than
international agencies even though they face unlimited funds alongside an absence of
enduring operational systems (Ahmed, 2025). Moreover, recent examples from conflict-
affected areas like Sudan illustrate how grassroots support networks have stepped in to
provide essential services when both governmental and NGO interventions have fallen short
(Locals in Sudan Are Saving Lives Aid Agencies Can’t Reach | TIME, n.d.). The experts
advocate for an updated system that strengthens local community involvement and
transparency with strategic coordination because they want support to correctly match
community requirements (Systems Thinking, n.d.).

Experts emphasize the necessity of developing a thorough method which unites national
sovereignty with worldwide peace through their studies about security and diplomacy
together with policy-making issues. Expert analysts suggest modern security risks function
globally so nations must cooperate to overcome them instead of fighting alone (Buzan &
Hansen, 2009). Since diplomacy functions as a statecraft tool it needs to change in order to
solve contemporary challenges that include cyber dangers along with economic relations and
worldwide strategic competitions (Nye, 2011). Long-term policy planning plays a vital role in
fighting against the risks arising from climate change alongside resource shortage and
population reorganisations (Walt, 2019). States that unify security studies with diplomatic
strategies gain abilities to handle global complexities through enduring international
relations.

Pakistan policy response to refugees:

The situation with Afghan refugees in Pakistan demonstrates multiple social and economic
challenges that affected both refugees and the native population. The labor power of Afghan
refugees operates throughout construction, agricultural sectors, and the informal trading
sector but simultaneously generate local resource limitations, cause price increases, increased
joblessness, and inflation within susceptible areas. Researches from international publications
demonstrate that refugee presence strengthens regional economies at the same time
uncontrolled refugee camps increase criminal activities and social tensions which affect
national security. Research such as the (Socio-Economic Analysis of Afghan Refugees
Repatriation from Pakistan: A 2023 Case Study | Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social
Sciences, n.d.) and field surveys conducted by UNHCR (Market Systems Analysis for Afghan
Refugees in Pakistan | International Labour Organization, 2018) illustrate these dynamics
and stress the need for robust policy responses to manage the economic and security
challenges for both communities and refugees.

The Pakistani response to Afghan refugees has evolved notably during various decades as the
country considered geopolitical factors plus economic conditions and security requirements.
Pakistan implemented an open-door policy throughout the 1980s Soviet-Afghan war period
(Socio-Economic Analysis of Afghan Refugees Repatriation from Pakistan: A 2023 Case
Study | Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, n.d.), driven by Islamic
solidarity, historical ties, and humanitarian principles. The country hosted millions of Afghan
refugees (Y. Ali et al., 2019), providing them with shelter, food, and basic amenities through
refugee camps established along the border with support from international organizations like
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) ("The Mujahidin
Middleman: Pakistan’s Role in the Afghan Crisis and the " by Peter A. Pentz, n.d.). Pakistan
instituted this policy to demonstrate its Islamic and cultural ties with Afghanistan while
strengthening Afghan guerrilla actions against Soviet military forces. The extended stay of
Afghan refugees placed too much pressure on Pakistan's resources which created multiple
social and economic problems including job competition and decreased healthcare
availability and increased security threats (Salman et al., 2024).

After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 Pakistan experienced another influx of
Afghan refugees which added to already existing problems of sustaining one of the world's
largest refugee groups (Hussain, n.d.). Pakistan enforced compelled repatriation of its citizens
in 2023 because of existing security threats as well as economic contraction and evolving
political conditions (Fahrney, n.d.). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasizes that Pakistan
requires international acknowledgment of its refugee hosting support. At his meeting with
Filippo Grandi on July 9, 2024 the Prime Minister said the international system needs to
realize Pakistan's refugee burden and show unified commitment to the situation. The Prime
Minister stressed that Pakistan has treated Afghan refugees with impressive dignity despite
facing numerous challenges (PM Shehbaz Urges Collective Responsibility, Int’l Recognition
of Afghan Refugee ‘Burden’ - Pakistan - DAWN.COM, n.d.). Similarly, Former President
Arif Alvi highlighted the need for international support, asserting, during his VOA Urdu
interview on November 16, 2023, that Pakistan needed international backing because it had
hosted Afghan refugees for four decades. President Alvi revealed the way the prolonged
refugee situation has substantially damaged Pakistan's economic standing and way of life
(Hosting Afghans a Huge Burden, Pakistani President Says, n.d.). The Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) also reiterated the security rationale behind the policy, noting that
unregulated movement and the presence of undocumented individuals pose a significant
threat to national security (UN Special Rapporteurs Urge Pakistan to Stop Planned Mass
Deportation of Afghans, n.d.) . The policy switch took Pakistan in a different direction from
its historical humanitarian position leading international human rights organizations to
condemn the sudden decision because it neglected both societal integration of refugees and
their longstanding economic impact within Pakistan (The Forced Return of Afghan Refugees
and Implications for Stability, n.d.).

The Pakistani approach to Afghan refugees demonstrates how states face difficulties when
they prioritize national interests with their humanitarian responsibilities. Pakistan changed its
migrant policy from open immigration to coercion-based expulsion because of adjusting
regional political conditions and internal demands. The healthiest solution to address this
humanitarian crisis demands a three-part strategy composed of international support
combined with global diplomatic participation and human rights expansion. For Pakistan to
successfully handle this crucial point in time it needs to pursue mechanisms which maintain
the dignified and sustainable reintegration of Afghan refugees and enhance regional stability
through cooperative diplomacy.

Moreover, several studies reveal that while refugees can bolster local economies,
unregulated settlements may also foster criminal activities and social tensions that
compromise internal security. Research such as the “Socio-Economic Analysis of Afghan
Refugees Repatriation from Pakistan” (Nisar et al., 2024) and field surveys conducted by the
ILO illustrate these dynamics and stress the need for robust policy responses to manage the
economic and security challenges for both communities and refugees (Market Systems
Analysis for Afghan Refugees in Pakistan | International Labour Organization, 2018).
Recommendations:

The proposed policy framework adopts a four-part approach between legislative

enhancement, technological innovation, and international alliances to improve Pakistan's
refugee administrative procedures. Pakistan must adopt new refugee legislation across the
entire nation to honor standards from the 1951 Refugee Convention by officially accepting
Afghan refugees through all government departments with standardized ‘Proof of
Registration’ to protect refugees from arbitrary detention or deportation. UNHCR with IOM
partnership should launch a resettlement support center in Islamabad to speed up P-1/P-2
cases for resettlement purposes and offer combined legal aid to vulnerable refugees who need
resettlement services. AI-based blockchain systems for refugee management operations
would establish protected electronic registration data systems that prevent fraudulent
behavior while creating combined service settings for healthcare opportunities and education
services and job placement support. Better donor-UNHCR-IOM coordination needs to
develop funding flexibility and technical supervision capabilities to create adaptable
programs with impact assessments for accountable delivery. Such integrated initiatives would
turn Pakistan into a country that embraces rights-based governance instead of delivering
periodic humanitarian aid and implementing cross-national security arrangements with
international protection frameworks.

Conclusion:

This research implements Barry Buzan’s human security framework to examine various
challenges facing Afghan refugees in Pakistan after 2021 while studying displacement
patterns alongside policy changes with social and political conditions. The data shows how
Pakistan’s evolving refugee management structure formed from economic constraints at
home and security requirements and shifts in world politics created adverse conditions for
disenfranchised persons. Limited access to documentation together with restricted formal
livelihood opportunities and inadequate service delivery pipelines constitutes the primary
difficulties against refugee social and economic integration. Pakistan has transitioned from
being a humanitarian host nation to a state that focuses on repatriation through policies
reflecting domestic necessities. The detailed evaluation shows ensuring national security
requires long lasting protective institutions that fulfill international refugee requirements and
enhance regional cooperation by utilizing modern technology to achieve governance clarity.
Multistakeholder partnerships and rights-based approaches allow Pakistan to tackle
displacement challenges of refugees because they foster peaceful conditions and stability in
the region. Research focused on non-traditional security provide beneficial academic input
because it demonstrates the requirement for adaptive interventional strategies that unite aid-
based solutions with prolonged displaced populations during modern globalization.

AUTHORS

Muhammad Islam: is a Research Associate at the International Islamic University,

Islamabad. His research critically engages with issues of terrorism, counterterrorism,
radicalization, border management, and national security, with a regional focus on South Asia
and the Middle East. His work examines the operational dynamics of militant networks, the
ideological underpinnings of extremism, and the implications of state security policies. He
contributes regularly to scholarly debates on Pakistan, Afghanistan, and broader regional
security architectures.

Safiullah Ahmadzai co- author :holds a degree in Politics and International Relations from
the University of Lahore. His academic interests are grounded in postmodern approaches to
international affairs, with particular emphasis on global politics and human rights. As an
Afghan national, he brings a grounded perspective to transnational political discourses. He
currently serves as President of the Afghan Initiative Society at the University of Lahore,
promoting dialogue on socio-political issues affecting the Afghan community and the wider
region.

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