Afghan refugees in Peshawar, Pakistan, are struggling with a tough life of working during the day and living in fear at night due to police raids, economic difficulties, and lack of legal documents. Many refugees work long hours for minimal pay and then seek refuge in graveyards, half-built structures, or open fields to avoid arrest. The constant fear of police operations has made their lives even more challenging.
Refugees expressed concerns about the increased police presence, leading to difficulties in finding work as employers fear repercussions for hiring Afghans. Despite working long hours, many refugees still struggle to afford basic necessities like rent and food. The situation has left them in a perpetual state of anxiety, with the fear of arrest or expulsion looming over them.
The Afghan refugees, especially those without legal documents, face obstacles in accessing essential services like healthcare and education. Job opportunities have dwindled for Afghans in Peshawar, further exacerbating their plight. The refugees feel caught between the violence in Afghanistan and the persecution they experience in Pakistan, calling for fair treatment and respect for their basic human rights.
Meanwhile, 525 Afghan families have been repatriated from Pakistan to Afghanistan as part of a phased repatriation process ordered by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. The repatriation efforts have focused on evacuating refugee camps in the Bannu district, with plans to assist Afghan nationals residing in rented accommodations for their return to Afghanistan. Authorities are working on facilitating the repatriation process for Afghan nationals living in various areas, aiming to ensure a smooth transition back to their home country.
