Vol. 6 No. 2 (2023): Pakistan Journal of International Affairs
Articles

A SOCIO-LEGAL ANALYSIS OF REFUGEES’ RESPONSE FRAMEWORK IN PAKISTAN

Published 2023-06-20

Abstract

Pakistan was born with many concomitant rudimentary problems and a refugee crisis was among foremost of them. This article examines the socio-legal response of Pakistan for the settlement of the refugee crises. Pakistan accepts refugee as fait accompli. Pakistan has a long and complex history with refugees, encompassing various waves of displacement and the challenges associated with hosting large numbers of people fleeing conflict or persecution. This includes the migration of refugees during Pakistan's independence in 1947, the influx of Kashmiri refugees during the 1948, 1965, and 1971 wars between Pakistan and India, and the 1990s insurgency in Indian-held Kashmir, and the prolonged presence of Afghan refugees in Pakistan since the 1970s. In addition, Pakistan was held responsible for producing refugees in 1971 when Bangladesh came into existence. The research adopted qualitative method to examine existing material available on the topic. The International legal framework for refugee protection is also taken into account. After thorough analysis research indicates that Pakistan does not lag anywhere in the hierarchy of nations to safeguard critical human rights including the rights of refugees