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As more and more refugees are crossing the border in search of peace and better living conditions, the situation in Pakistan is growing worse by the day. Sharing an ethnic background and geographic boundaries, we as Pakistanis can feel the trauma that our Afghan brothers are going through. But at the same time we should try to work towards a solution that would minimize the negative impact caused by these refugees. Thus, it is imperative that all those involved in these migrations - the government, local NGOs, donors, humanitarian and relief organizations, the public sector, and the refugees themselves – join together to counter the impact of the current refugee crisis. Efforts should be made to help them maintain a sustainable environment in and around their makeshift camps and to incorporate these activities into their daily lives on returning to their homeland.
The current situation on the Peshawar and Baluchistan border areas highlights the need of a partnership for the well being of all: the refugees, local residents, and the ecosystem. In this regard, WWF-Pakistan, as the largest conservation NGO in the country, compliments the overall goal and purpose of UNHCR. The over consumption of wood has exerted tremendous pressure on the environment, which has emerged as the biggest challenge at the household level in the northeastern part of Balochistan. This crisis has become the basis for a proposed collaboration between WWF- P and UNHCR. In addition, the goal of WWF- P, i.e. conservation of Nature and its diversity for present and future generations, can be integrated to promote environmental and humanitarian relief efforts at refuge camps
The writer works in the Environmental Pollution Unit of WWF- Pakistan
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Hania Aslam
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Hi Saima | Dec 12th, 2002
Very thorough and well articulated piece of writing, Hania.
It is a relief to note that there are still people who actually are concerned about the natural resources and the negative impact of Afghan refugees. Of all the muslim countries, one does wonder why Pakistan continues to suffer when it comes to Afghan people. Why do we keep letting this happen to us??
Any way,keep writing and voicing your concerns.
A Great effort Aqeel / Aqueel Syed | Jan 13th, 2004
Hi there,
I agree with Saima and wounder that why Pakistan continue to suffer due to Afghanistan's problem. I have had experienced with Afghan and they never liked or supported Pakistan on any plateform. Hania please write more on Pakistan's problem caused by Afghan refugees.
Salaam Waqar Ahmad | Nov 16th, 2004
Hi Hania, having read your article it is really interesting to see the issues from a socio-economic view without the political propaganda that is used to cover up such issues from reaching the thoughts of normal every day people living outside of Pakistan. It is difficult for a foreigner like me to envisage the damage that such developments can cause in developing countries. Whereas in countries like France and England there are structures in place to deal with refugees to limit the impact on the economic stability, Pakistan seems limited in what it can do to control the situation of mass migration and damage limitation. Although the Western civilisation is to blame for creating the Afghanistan refugee crisis, they have done little to support the neighbouring countries that would suffer from the knock-on effect of their actions. The issues such as those you have raised should be given the time and efforts they deserve by those who say they have the best interest of Pakistan in their hearts. As a muslim nation we cannot simply turn our back on our brothers and sisters - but at the same time we have to find the balance for the future of the children. I hope you continue to write such great articles in future. I would be pleased to contribute in any way needed.
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