Afghan Refugee Crisis: Pakistan’s Position at the UNHCR Forum
Introduction: A Host Without Equal — But Not Without Limits
For over four decades, Pakistan has hosted one of the world’s largest refugee populations — mostly Afghans fleeing war, instability, and persecution. But as global attention drifts and funding dwindles, Pakistan has grown louder at international forums, especially the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), to say:
“We’ve carried the burden. Now the world must share the responsibility.”
This article explores how Pakistan raised its voice at the UNHCR Global Refugee Forum and UN General Assembly sessions, calling for fairness, funding, and long-overdue recognition.
📦 The Refugee Numbers: A Reality Check
As of 2024:
- Over 1.3 million registered Afghan refugees live in Pakistan
- An estimated 700,000+ unregistered or undocumented Afghans remain
- Many arrived after the Taliban’s return in 2021
- Refugees are concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and urban centers like Karachi
Despite limited resources, Pakistan has kept borders open, provided access to basic services, and resisted mass deportations — but patience and capacity are wearing thin.
🎤 What Pakistan Said at UNHCR & UN Forums
1. “We Need More Than Gratitude”
At the Global Refugee Forum (2023) and multiple UNGA sessions, Pakistan made it clear:
- Hosting millions of refugees without global support is unsustainable
- There is fatigue in host communities, with rising inflation and security pressures
- Donor funding has declined, and refugee support is falling on an already stretched national budget
“No nation can be expected to carry this burden endlessly. Solidarity cannot be seasonal.”
— Pakistani Representative at UNHCR Forum 2023
2. Calls for Global Responsibility Sharing
Pakistan demanded:
- Equitable burden-sharing, with other nations resettling more Afghan refugees
- Increased international funding for refugee services and host community development
- Better coordination with UNHCR to address undocumented Afghans fairly
It also emphasized that the refugee crisis is a regional and global issue, not Pakistan’s alone.
3. Legal Status & Protection for Refugees
Pakistan’s delegation called for:
- Greater legal support and documentation from UNHCR for Afghans
- Joint frameworks to prevent statelessness
- Protection from forced returns until Afghanistan stabilizes
Pakistan also urged UNHCR to take a stronger role in advocating with the Taliban for safe conditions inside Afghanistan — a key factor in long-term repatriation.
💸 The Funding Gap & Its Consequences
Despite being one of the top refugee-hosting countries, Pakistan receives:
- Far less aid per refugee compared to nations like Jordan or Turkey
- Inconsistent international contributions, often tied to global headlines, not needs
- Delays in development funding for schools, clinics, and housing in refugee-heavy areas
This lack of support has increased tensions between refugees and host communities, especially in areas with high unemployment or poor services.
🧭 Pakistan’s Current Approach: Balance, But Boundaries
While Pakistan has maintained its humanitarian posture, recent years have seen a shift:
- Tighter visa policies and documentation checks
- Greater scrutiny of unregistered Afghan nationals
- Public frustration over perceived security risks and economic strain
At the UN, Pakistan insists it does not seek to close doors — but it does seek global fairness.
🌐 International Reactions
Pakistan’s strong messaging received:
- Support from UNHCR officials, who acknowledged the need for more help
- Backchannel praise from many developing nations with similar refugee challenges
- Limited new commitments from major donors — a frustration highlighted in post-session briefings
🧾 Final Thoughts: A Crisis Ignored Is a Crisis Extended
Pakistan’s message at the UNHCR Forum is a warning, not a threat.
It has shown immense generosity, but generosity without support breeds resentment. Unless the world steps in — not just with words, but with funding and action — the Afghan refugee crisis could evolve into a humanitarian, economic, and security challenge for the entire region.
