The Afghan refugee presence in Sindh is not merely a demographic issue it is a test of Pakistan’s institutional resilience, moral compass, and federal integrity
Dr. Abdullah Arijo
Pakistan’s long-standing role as a host to Afghan refugees has entered a new phase of complexity, particularly in Sindh. With over 3.7 million Afghans residing in the country, 1.7 million undocumented and 1.35 million registered, the province faces mounting pressure on its social, economic, and civic infrastructure.
Afghan migration to Pakistan began in the 1980s during the Soviet invasion, with successive waves arriving amid civil wars and Taliban resurgence. As of late 2024, Pakistan hosts 1.35 million registered Afghan refugees and an estimated 600,000 recent arrivals following the 2021 Taliban takeover. While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain the primary hosts, Sindh, particularly Karachi and Hyderabad, has seen a steady influx, straining urban services and housing.
The impact on local communities is multifaceted. Afghan settlements often emerge in informal sectors, leading to unregulated labor competition in construction, transport, and retail. Native workers, especially in low-income urban zones, face wage suppression and job displacement. Public services are under duress: overcrowded schools, clinics, and sanitation systems in refugee-dense areas compromise access for native Sindhis, particularly in underfunded districts. Informal housing expansion contributes to urban sprawl and environmental degradation.
Security and identity concerns further complicate the situation. The undocumented status of many Afghans poses legal challenges, including difficulty in tracking criminal activity and verifying identities. Tensions have surfaced over land rights and voter registration, with fears of demographic dilution among Sindhi nationalist groups.
Managing this issue requires a balanced and humane approach. Transparent registration drives for undocumented Afghans should be implemented, offering temporary legal status while vetting for security risks. Collaboration with UNHCR and NGOs is essential to ensure rights-based refugee management. Sindh-specific quotas in labor markets and education can help safeguard native access, while expanded urban planning and infrastructure investment in refugee-hosting zones may mitigate service overload.
Community engagement forums should be promoted to reduce xenophobia and foster coexistence. Academic and media literacy campaigns can counter misinformation and highlight shared histories. Crucially, Sindh must demand fiscal compensation and policy autonomy from Islamabad to manage refugee impacts effectively. Establishing inter-provincial refugee councils could help balance national security with provincial equity.
Pakistan’s moral obligation to Afghan refugees must be weighed against its constitutional guarantees to its own citizens. Sindh’s unique cultural and economic landscape calls for regionally tailored solutions, not blanket deportation policies. The recent Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP), while addressing security concerns, risks humanitarian fallout and regional instability.
The Afghan refugee presence in Sindh is not merely a demographic issue it is a test of Pakistan’s institutional resilience, moral compass, and federal integrity. As a professor and civic advocate, I urge policymakers to adopt inclusive, data-driven, and rights-respecting frameworks that honour both humanitarian duty and local dignity.
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Abdullah Arijo is a professor and curriculum architect at Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, specializing in Parasitology, fisheries, aquaculture, zoology, and environmental sciences. He is also a civic advocate for climate resilience and sustainable development.
This is a well-written and timely analysis. The Afghan refugee situation in Sindh is definitely complex — it’s not just about numbers, but about how our already-strained institutions are handling the pressure. Karachi, Hyderabad, and other urban areas are struggling with housing, jobs, and basic services even for locals.
At the same time, simply blaming refugees or pushing blanket deportations won’t solve anything. Pakistan needs a proper, transparent registration system, stronger coordination with UNHCR, and federal support for Sindh instead of leaving the province to manage everything on its own.
Humanitarian responsibility is important, but so is protecting local communities and ensuring fairness. A balanced, data-based policy is the only way forward.
Outstanding written pattern.