Migration and Integration: A Dilemma in the Integration of Afghan Refugees in Relation to Crimes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Migration is a universal phenomenon that has presence since human existed on earth. People move from one place to another having a variety of purposes, where the most common and dominant reasons are compulsions and inadequacy of resources to fulfill life needs at the country of origin. The current study is an attempt to understand the phenomenon of migration especially Afghan refugees residing for more than three decades in the KP province of Pakistan. The research work is part of a PhD study on migration and criminality which asserts on the associated parameters with migration that lead to unhealthy activities in the host society. The study is framed under qualitative research design utilizing the qualitative tools for data collection and thematic analysis in three major Divisions i.e. Peshawar, Mardan and Malakand of the province. The central and district jails were selected for identification of respondents and conduction of interviews to dig out the actual facts. The study concludes that unstable socio-political structure of the society diminishes the provision of basic rights to the Afghan refugees where the local masses consider them a threat to their socioeconomic, cultural and political existence. On the contrary, the Afghan refugees become expressive and reactionary and develop feelings of inferiority and deprivation when not given with the expected demands that lead to their mal-integration and mal-social-practices for their survival, integration and settlement.