The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) organized first public lecture of 2025 on refugee affairs, titled “Protracted Refugee Situation and Cross Border Movement of Afghan Refugees Living in Pakistan.” The event was held on May 7, 2025, at the Pink Hall, SS Block, BUITEMS, Quetta. The keynote speaker for the session was Mr. Abdullah Khan, Secretary of the Population Welfare Department, Government of Balochistan. The session began at 10:45 AM and was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Kazim, Liaison Officer at ICRMS. It opened with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by an introductory video that highlighted ICRMS’s mission and contributions to refugee and migration research in the region. Prof. Dr. Zahid Rauf, Director ICRMS, delivered the opening remarks, welcoming the distinguished guest and participants, and stressing the importance of academic engagement in addressing protracted refugee issues in Pakistan.
Following the welcoming remarks, Mr. Abdullah Khan initiated his lecture with a detailed presentation. He provided a historical overview of Afghan migration to Pakistan, beginning in 1979, and explained the demographic makeup of Afghan refugees currently residing in the country, noting that more than 3.1 million Afghan nationals are living in Pakistan under various legal categories. His presentation covered critical aspects such as the distribution of Proof of Registration (PoR) cardholders, Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and undocumented migrants. He discussed the complexities surrounding voluntary repatriation, the legal and social challenges faced by refugees, and the difficulties in accessing services like education, healthcare, and employment. The speaker also highlighted the fact that Pakistan is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention and lacks a formal domestic legal framework for refugee protection, which adds further complications to the management of long-term refugee situations. He concluded with insights into cross-border movement trends and regional policies affecting refugee repatriation and reintegration.
After the presentation, a Q&A session was held where both refugee and host community students posed questions. To assist in answering, Mr. Arbab Talib from the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) joined the stage alongside Mr. Abdullah Khan. The session saw active participation, with several thoughtful questions raised by students regarding policy implementation, identity documentation.
In the concluding segment of the event, Mr. Haider Zaman, Protection Associate at UNHCR, delivered remarks in appreciation of the guest speaker. He commended Mr. Abdullah Khan for his clear and well informed responses and expressed gratitude to ICRMS for organizing a timely and meaningful session. To formally conclude the event, Prof. Dr. Zahid Rauf presented a shield of appreciation to the guest speaker. The session witnessed a total participation of 121 individuals, including 76 male and 45 female participants, reflecting a strong and diverse turnout from both refugee and host communities.
The session ended with a group photo, after which the guests proceeded for lunch and the event was officially concluded.
Reported by Muhammad Asif
Reporting Associate
