Several Afghan refugees in Pakistan report enduring severe hardships and psychological strain as they confront an uncertain future.
Hundreds of thousands of Afghans fled to Pakistan after the collapse of the Afghan government in 2021, with many citing concerns over female education, security, and the hope of seeking asylum in Western countries as key reasons for their departure.
A report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) released Sunday revealed that around 50,000 people fled to Pakistan and Iran in just one week, highlighting the ongoing exodus.
Seema Mohib, 63, who migrated to Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover, spoke of her deteriorating mental and physical health. “We became refugees in Pakistan. I am very sick. The stress has damaged my spinal nerves. I suffer from knee pain. I go to the doctor, but I can’t afford the medication they prescribe,” she said.
Dozens of Afghan families in Pakistan are currently awaiting the completion of their asylum applications, hoping to eventually relocate to Western countries. However, many face significant challenges during this interim period, including financial hardship and bureaucratic delays.
“Most of the migrants here are dealing with psychological issues. I know many who can’t sleep at night due to the lack of basic necessities and poor living conditions,” said Qasim, another Afghan refugee.
Muaz, another migrant, described the financial strain of renewing visas, a process that has become increasingly difficult. “We are facing financial difficulties. We can’t afford to extend our visas. Legally, nothing ever progresses. On top of the visa renewal fees, we have to pay a large amount of extra money just to get the extensions.”
Since the Taliban’s return to power, thousands of Afghan citizens have sought refuge in Pakistan. However, many now live in a legal limbo as their visas expire, leaving them in a precarious situation. Refugees often cite slow processing of their asylum cases by Western countries as one of their most pressing challenges.
For now, the psychological toll continues to mount for those waiting, their futures uncertain.
