Islamabad (Khyber Mail): The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a roundtable discussion titled Governance of Refugees in Pakistan: An Appraisal, in collaboration with The BEYOND Project, Faculty of Law, University of Oslo, Norway.
The event, organized by ISSI’s Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East & Africa (CAMEA), brought together policymakers, academics, and practitioners to examine Pakistan’s decades-long approach to managing refugee communities—particularly Afghan refugees.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, delivered introductory remarks, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to hosting Afghan refugees despite not being a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention. He highlighted Pakistan’s historical role in managing the world’s largest and longest-standing refugee caseload, noting that Afghan refugees in Pakistan face no barriers to education, healthcare, or business opportunities. He also acknowledged Pakistan’s limited international support and the crucial role of civil society and NGOs in the country’s refugee policies.
Participants discussed Pakistan’s legal framework concerning refugees, its evolving challenges—including financial constraints and diminishing international assistance—and the broader regional and humanitarian implications. The discourse also explored ways to strengthen legal structures, promote broad-based consultations, and address the complexities of refugee repatriation.
A key takeaway from the session was the call for the international community to recognize the burden borne by host nations and support efforts to navigate refugee governance with fairness and cooperation. The discussion concluded with an emphasis on understanding the constraints and sensitivities of host countries and fostering a proactive global response.