The Psycho-Social Implication of Pakistan’s Repatriation Policy on Afghan Refugees in Quetta

Abstract

This paper understands the fear, concerns, and their effects on the development of social cohesion of Afghan refugees holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards in Quetta, Pakistan, in the context of “Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan.” This paper argues that Pakistan’s repatriation policies, although formally targeting undocumented refugees, have created widespread insecurity among documented PoR cardholder despite their legal status. These fears not only undermine refugee protection but also strain host refugee relations and weaken community cohesion in Quetta. The study utilized a qualitative method, drawn on 25 semi-structured interviews (13 Female and 12 Male) from Hazara Town, Mariabad, and Pashtunabad, along with secondary data from UNHCR reports, government documents, and scholarly sources. Based on semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, the findings reveal the vulnerability of Afghan refugees residing in Quetta despite being documented, and highlight strained relations with host communities. Furthermore, to address these challenges, the study recommends long-term and short–term possible policies to terminate the fears related to the repatriation process and to safeguard the rights, safety, and dignity of Afghan refugees.