Pakistan hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees
SHIKARPUR: People migrating either internally or externally are also referred to as refugees or asylum seekers in recent years. But, in reality, they are really different from one another not only in their definition but also their situation. According to the UNHCR, migrants are individuals, who move abroad to develop their way of lives by finding work or education, while refugees are people who are compelled to move to other states because of conflict, violence or discrimination in their own countries. They often face very despicable and horrific situations at home and hence, cross borders into neighbouring countries to seek refuge.
The most unfortunate difference between the two is that a migrant is someone who has been authorised to go and return safely, where and when he wants. On the contrary, refugees don’t have the same choice, making them prone to risks and insecurity of themselves and their loved ones. Globally, one in every 113 people is either a refugee, internally displaced person or an asylum seeker. Pakistan hosts approximately 1.5 million refugees, which is the second largest after Turkey. However, not many live in favourable conditions.
Wajahat Abro
Published in The Express Tribune, May 12th, 2017.
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