Socio-economic Inclusion of Afghan Refugees in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan hosts the largest number of Afghan refugees in the world, who have been residing here for more than three decades. Political and economic crises in Afghanistan are the major hurdles in their return to their homeland. The study looks into the socio-economic inclusion of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and examines the challenges being faced by refugees in this regard. A survey was carried out in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta to collect the quantitative and qualitative data of Afghan refugees. The response of Pakistani host community was also taken. Results indicate that Afghan refugees have lack of access to basic services, including health, education and livelihood. The Pakistani host community welcomed the Afghan refugees and cooperated with them in every possible manner.