Refuge, Identity, and Safety: The Search of Two Afghan Refugee Mothers in Pakistan

Zahra belongs to the Hazara community, and this is the second time she has faced the harsh experience of migration. When I asked about her situation, she spoke through tears. She said, "My heart is filled with pain." She repeated these words twice with a single breath. Then, with deep sorrow, she added, "I ask myself, what will happen to my son? What will happen to my only son?" Zahra Bibi says that her son is still unable to leave Afghanistan.

Zahra says she is under severe mental stress and has not had a peaceful night in a long time. Several years ago, her daughter-in-law was martyred in a brutal Taliban bombing. This attack specifically targeted the Hazara community. With pain, she said, "The Taliban are very cruel, and I am afraid of them. They mercilessly martyred my daughter-in-law. They have no compassion; their hearts are void of humanity."

Zahra was trembling with grief and helplessness. She said, "I lost a young daughter-in-law; I can no longer bear another sorrow." Holding her grandchild lovingly, she added, "I do not worry about a home or belongings; I only think about my son and grandchild. Where can I go?"

She said, "We are going through difficult times. On one side are the Afghan Taliban, and on the other side is the Pakistani government, which has made our problems even worse." According to her, "Yesterday, the police came to our home, but thankfully, we were not there. Now we are trying to find a place in Peshawar. However, if the Pakistani government targets Peshawar after Islamabad, we will be forced to return to Afghanistan, where countless challenges await us."

The Cry of Afghan Refugee Woman Fatima: We Are Facing Severe Challenges

Fatima, who migrated from Afghanistan to Pakistan and is currently living in Islamabad, is facing severe challenges. Her husband passed away three years ago, and now she is struggling to make a living with her five children, two sons, and three daughters.

Fatima says that yesterday, the Islamabad police arrested her eldest son and deported him back to Afghanistan. Crying, she said, "My son was our only support; he was the one who covered all our household expenses, but now we have been left helpless."

According to Fatima, the Islamabad police and the Pakistani government have multiplied their problems, forcing her to move to Peshawar. However, arranging a place to stay in Peshawar has become another major challenge for her.

"The rent for houses here has increased significantly, almost doubled. When we talk to a homeowner, they immediately say they don’t rent to Afghan refugees. We don’t have Pakistani ID cards, legal documents, or an NOC, which is why we face rejection everywhere," Fatima expressed her helplessness.

The situation of Afghan refugees is worsening day by day. Not only do they face housing challenges, but their lives have also become more difficult due to issues related to employment, legal status, and other problems. Fatima, along with thousands of other refugees like her, is waiting for assistance, but there are no signs of improvement in circumstances.

Noor Jahan's Journey from Kabul to Peshawar and an Uncertain Future

Noor Jahan, a resident of Panjshir province in Afghanistan, was a student in Kabul but is now living in Peshawar. Noor Jahan says that the Taliban captured Kabul very quickly, something that was hard to believe. "We did not know that they would gain control over all parts of Kabul in a single night, but I was most worried about my school and education," she said.

According to Noor Jahan, the Taliban did not create any obstacles for her journey to Pakistan, but she believes that perhaps the Taliban have changed this time. However, those who have been victims of the Taliban's oppression still find it hard to trust them.

Noor Jahan says she does not have a clear plan for the future, but she is certain that there is no place for her under the current government in Afghanistan. "I want to make my own life decisions. I want freedom, which is why I will not return. We came to Pakistan because we believe our lives are safer here," she said.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has decided to deport Afghan refugees. According to officials, the process of expelling Afghan refugees from Islamabad and other cities is ongoing.