Pakistan still hosts over 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees, the largest refugee population hosted by any country.The document revealed by UNHCR (United Nation High Commission for refugees) said Afghan refugees are widely split in different cities of Pakistan.
There are more than 1 million Afghan refugees not registered with any concerned authorities.After Soviet war in Afghanistan, more than 2.7 million Afghan refugees migrated to Pakistan in hope of better future.Pakistan and Iran hosted these large number of Afghan refugees.
Afghan refugees are widely spread in different provinces of Pakistan with majority living in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa being closely attached with Afghanistan Pakistan border.Most of these Afghans were born and raised in Pakistan during last 30 years but are still counted as Afghan refugee.They are under protection of UNHCR with legal status being provided to them for living in Pakistan.
Majority of Afghan refugees consider Pakistan as their second home after being welcomed and hosted by Pakistan for more than 30 years.Talking with shopkeeper in Peshawar city,according to Mohammad Anwar," I love Pakistan same as i love my own country. I am running my business of dry fruit and i am not sure i will go back to my country."Same was the story of another shopkeeper selling garments in Kharkhano market of Peshawar.
Majority of Afghan refugees demanded Pakistan citizenship since they have businesses here and they cannot move back to their country with security fears.According to shopkeepers in Kharkhano market, Government of Pakistan should give us Pakistan nationality,we are ready to pay taxes.Since many of businesses are owned and dominated by Afghan refugees specially in Peshawar,There are high demands of Pakistan nationality.
Due to historical, cultural and linguistic connections, Afghan refugees find it out relatively easy by adapting themselves to local culture.Afghans born in Pakistan can speak local languages specially urdu and they consider themselves as their second home.They participate in different activities and celebration of independence day.
Education is considered very important by Afghan refugees.Wealthy and well off Afghans studying in quality schools and universities while those middle class studying in other schools.Many of Afghan refugees receive remittance from relatives living abroad.Hayatabad,the modern residential area is home to many of wealthy Afghans.
More than 80% afghans are happy living in Pakistan and they consider Pakistan as their second home.They do not see going back to home in near future.Security is main obstacle they want to improve.
