Human Security and Implications of involuntary repatriation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan

Abstract

Pakistan the host of millions of Afghan refugees now seeks their expeditious repatriation. Over the years, Afghan refugees have become a serious concern for Pakistan-Afghan relations due to declining donor assistance, domestic constraints, weak economy, refugee fatigue, and the growing threat of terrorism. By shifting from an open-door policy to a closed door towards refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan has changed from being a hospitable host to a country now reluctant to house the remaining refugees. This action cause serious human security challenges for the refugees. The main aim of the research is to highlight the problems faced by refugees in Pakistan and reasons behind their involuntary repatriation from Pakistan to Afghanistan. Therefore qualitative research has been conducted and data has been collected through secondary method. It has been concluded that the nature of ongoing repatriation of Pakistan-based Afghan refugees to Afghanistan is forceful and returnees face number of human security challenges. Also they have become victims of failed diplomacy and political tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The essential recommendations for the security of refugees and to curtail the involuntary repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan are specified at the end of the study.