Pakistan has hosted the highest number of Afghans globally for almost 40 years. Despite this, the refugees from the neighbouring country and the people living in the host communities did not mix at all with each other for a long time. More than half of all refugees from Afghanistan live in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Around one third of these, often already second or third-generation refugees, live in dedicated refugee villages and the remaining two thirds in various host communities and cities.
Pakistan is struggling with a weak economy, and its social security systems are overstretched. This is leading to tension, as refugees are perceived as competing. Existential worries exacerbate fear, stress and depression. Experiences of violence and trauma act like an accelerant. Children, adolescents, women and girls are particularly affected.
Just one street separates the refugee village from the community of Akora Khattak in the district of Nowshera, yet the residents did not know each other. Instead of reaching out to each other, there was apprehension and a sense of distrust.
Psychosocial support for many
Kiran gets to her feet as she explains why she crossed the road to the Afghan women in her neighbourhood this afternoon. The 28-year-old Pakistani from Akora Khattak appears full of determination. She understands that the robotics course is not just about building a remote-controlled car, but also a sense of community. She has already attended other courses, including one in which she learned how to recognise and deal with stress in herself and others: ‘That was the first time I’d heard about gender-based violence.’
Kiran now shares her knowledge with other women: ‘I put myself forward for the local elections and was elected. It’s important to get information to other women. Not just about violence and the support available but all kinds of different things.’ The courses have encouraged her to give other women a voice. In the courses, experts and non-experts alike learn how to better respond to the psychosocial needs of both the refugees and the Pakistani population.