History Culture and Cross-Border Migration: Impact of Afghan Refugees on Socio-Economic Environment of Peshawar

Pakistan’s Afghan Policy after the Russia’s intervention in 1979 left indefinable impact on Pakistan’s society at large. But Peshawar was the worst- hit city during Afghan resistance against Russia even after that, during Taliban insurgence. Pakistan’s Afghan refugee policy brought drastic changes in society, culture and economy of the city of Peshawar. Peshawar was the front line city to Afghan borders which absorbed the major influx of refugees from Afghanistan. After thirty years since the Afghan refugees settled in the city, the demography of Peshawar has been profoundly altered. This study focuses the socio-economic impact of Afghan refugees in the city of Peshawar. The study is based on primary and secondary data. Primary data are generated through community dialogue and through questionnaire. For this study, Peshawar city is divided according to demographic concentration of both communities, that is, Afghan refugees and local residents. The study reveals a stiff competition between the two communities and the culture of the city had experienced a sea-change. Family values, pattern of social interaction, gender behavior and demography had profoundly affected by the arrival of refugees. The study finally concludes that after three decades, two communities are at entanglement rather than at compromise.