Precarious refugees

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The presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan has long been a humanitarian and security dilemma, one that continues to intensify due to shifting geopolitical realities and economic constraints. With approximately 2.9 million Afghan nationals residing in the country - 1.4 million registered and 0.7 million unregistered - the burden on Pakistan's already strained resources is undeniable. As a cash-strapped nation struggling to navigate an economic sandstorm, Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads, balancing humanitarian obligations with pressing security concerns.

Development projects under the Refugee Affected and Hosting Areas Programme, which previously provided essential services such as shelter, food, sanitation, education and healthcare, were halted in 2024 due to a lack of funding. With no alternative support system in place, refugees are now left in a state of vulnerability, increasing social and economic pressures on host communities. Beyond the humanitarian crisis, Pakistan's security apparatus faces another challenge of the porous nature of its borders. The country's turbulent relationship with Afghanistan, coupled with cross-border security concerns, has only fuelled anxieties over the unchecked movement of individuals. The presence of undocumented refugees raises fears of infiltration by hostile elements, thereby complicating internal security dynamics. While deportations and crackdowns on illegal Afghan residents may be a short-term fix, a lasting solution lies in diplomatic engagement. Focused bilateral discussions between Islamabad and Kabul are imperative to address major security issues and establish a streamlined process for refugee documentation.

Pakistan must tread carefully. It cannot afford to be seen as abandoning its humanitarian responsibilities, nor can it allow security risks to fester. A well-balanced approach - combining strategic diplomacy, security reinforcements and international collaboration - remains the only viable path forward.