PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN RELATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF AFGHAN REFUGEES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Pakistan's relationship with Afghanistan is complex, characterized by phases of cooperation, conflict, and significant socio-economic impacts, particularly concerning the arrival of Afghan refugees into Pakistan. The entrance of Afghan refugees into Pakistan began in the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, out of 5 million refugees 1.5 million seeking refuge from violence, conflict, and oppressive regimes This research explores Afghanistan-Pakistan relations: A case study of Afghan refugees in Pakistan. Furthermore, this research also focuses on the current nature of Pak-Afghan relations, the reasons of departing Afghan refugees from Pakistan and its impact on Pakistan’s economy. The researcher has used the method of documentary Analysis to answer the research questions. In documentary Analysis we study the available materials including books, articles, newspapers, audio, video recording, interviews, policy documents, TV channels, and social media forums to get more information about the topic to analyse our problem. The researcher has applied the theory of realism to analyse Afghanistan-Pakistan relation. It emphasizes the anarchic nature of the international system, where there is no higher authority to enforce rules, leading to competition and conflict among states. In this situation a state must think about its survival which is only possible through self- help.