Afghan Refugee Conundrum: It’s Impact on Security and Socio-Economic Challenges for Pakistan

Abstract

The inquiry was conducted at Chakdara, situated inside District Dir Lower. Chakdara, located in the District Dir Lower, is a significant city that has a prominent center for Afghan refugees. This study aims to assess the influence of Afghan migrants on the unstable security conditions in Chakdara. Aside from the existing population of 29,712 individuals in Chakdara, there is an additional group of 11,184 refugees now staying in a camp. Additional refugees are situated in areas surrounding the camp in Chakdara and its neighboring regions. In order to assess the influence of these migrants on the safety conditions of the region, a sample of 379 persons from the local population was chosen using stratified random selection from the community. By employing the Sekaran technique, it was determined that a sample size of 379 was suitable. The information was obtained through the use of an interview schedule to ascertain individuals' perspectives on the impact of refugees on security. The study's findings demonstrate that the influx of Afghan refugees to Chakdara has resulted in significant social, political, economic, environmental, and ecological challenges. Furthermore, it poses a grave risk to Pakistan's internal security. The influx of immigrants in Chakdara has significantly exacerbated the law enforcement situation, resulting in a substantial surge in criminal activities. The data unequivocally demonstrates that the refugees are exclusively and totally accountable for the proliferation of the Kalashnikov culture, the illicit drug trade, and several other unlawful activities that have occurred in Chakdara. The study's findings indicate that Afghan immigrants have a pivotal role in fostering anarchy and sectarian divisions among the indigenous population of the researched region.