Perhaps, one day they could all return to a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan supported by a Western superpower. After 10 years of US-led efforts to control one of the world’s most turbulent countries, Afghan refugees in Pakistan have little hope for stability in their homeland.
“I grew up here and Pakistan is my country. When my father pushes me to go back to visit, I end up having a fight with him. I’m never going to live there,” said Nabi, 22, who runs a crockery shop.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai, on the other hand, welcomes a return of millions of Afghans living in Pakistan. It would be a vote of confidence in his administration, which faces many problems today, from widespread allegations of state corruption, to a resilient Taliban.
A lifetime of uncertainty
Most of the refugees in Pakistan arrived after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. The conflict that followed consumed their homeland. After the mujahideen warriors defeated the Russians, warlords turned on each other and tore Afghanistan apart.
Many refugees fear a repeat of that chaos as a US troop withdrawal looms. Some would like to go home but feel they can’t. Others regard Pakistan as home despite its many disadvantages. Without proper Pakistani identification cards, Afghans can’t open bank accounts or buy or lease property in the country.
Still, many Afghans believe it’s wiser, and safer, to just accept problems here than return to a homeland still shattered.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 12th, 2011.
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