Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants

Abstract The involuntary migration of Afghans has emerged as a pressing global concern, presenting a complex interplay of social, legal, and economic challenges. This mass exodus, fueled by the pursuit of safety and refuge, has strained social and economic infrastructures, necessitating a comprehens...

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Main Authors: Kashif Iqbal, Sheng Hongcheng, Hu Liang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-01-01
Series:Discover Social Science and Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00147-y
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author Kashif Iqbal
Sheng Hongcheng
Hu Liang
author_facet Kashif Iqbal
Sheng Hongcheng
Hu Liang
author_sort Kashif Iqbal
collection DOAJ
description Abstract The involuntary migration of Afghans has emerged as a pressing global concern, presenting a complex interplay of social, legal, and economic challenges. This mass exodus, fueled by the pursuit of safety and refuge, has strained social and economic infrastructures, necessitating a comprehensive sociological analysis. This study investigates the lived experiences of Afghan immigrants and explores their coping strategies for overwhelming situations in the host community (Peshawar, Pakistan). Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes insights from migration sociology, cultural studies, and immigrant’s studies to comprehensively understand this complex intersection. By adopting a mixed research design using both survey and semi-structured interviews, and integrating legal, economic, and social perspectives, our investigation unveils the sociological dimensions shaping livelihood challenges and social impacts. The finding revealed the challenging legal and administrative hurdles faced by Afghan immigrants, the economic disparities, the complex dynamics of social integration, and accommodation issues within the host community. Amidst these challenges, this study found coping strategies of Afghan immigrants, which they had on individual, family, and community level. This study transcends academic inquiry, inviting us to embrace a holistic understanding that guides us toward more equitable and inclusive societies. This study contributes to migration sociology, and offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in the complexities of involuntary migration and community development. It indorses sociologically grounded implications that call for inclusive policy interventions, cultural bridge-building initiatives, and community-driven efforts for long-term resilience. Charting future territories, we advocate for longitudinal and comparative analyses, recognizing the uncharted realm of gendered experiences in involuntary migration.
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spelling doaj-art-0cc53f660e1f4d6881c560cb3776c2782025-01-26T12:53:26ZengSpringerDiscover Social Science and Health2731-04692025-01-015113210.1007/s44155-025-00147-yConflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrantsKashif Iqbal0Sheng Hongcheng1Hu Liang2School of Public Administration, Department of Sociology, Hohai UniversitySchool of Public Administration, Department of Sociology, Hohai UniversitySchool of Public Administration, Department of Sociology, Hohai UniversityAbstract The involuntary migration of Afghans has emerged as a pressing global concern, presenting a complex interplay of social, legal, and economic challenges. This mass exodus, fueled by the pursuit of safety and refuge, has strained social and economic infrastructures, necessitating a comprehensive sociological analysis. This study investigates the lived experiences of Afghan immigrants and explores their coping strategies for overwhelming situations in the host community (Peshawar, Pakistan). Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes insights from migration sociology, cultural studies, and immigrant’s studies to comprehensively understand this complex intersection. By adopting a mixed research design using both survey and semi-structured interviews, and integrating legal, economic, and social perspectives, our investigation unveils the sociological dimensions shaping livelihood challenges and social impacts. The finding revealed the challenging legal and administrative hurdles faced by Afghan immigrants, the economic disparities, the complex dynamics of social integration, and accommodation issues within the host community. Amidst these challenges, this study found coping strategies of Afghan immigrants, which they had on individual, family, and community level. This study transcends academic inquiry, inviting us to embrace a holistic understanding that guides us toward more equitable and inclusive societies. This study contributes to migration sociology, and offers practical insights for policymakers and practitioners engaged in the complexities of involuntary migration and community development. It indorses sociologically grounded implications that call for inclusive policy interventions, cultural bridge-building initiatives, and community-driven efforts for long-term resilience. Charting future territories, we advocate for longitudinal and comparative analyses, recognizing the uncharted realm of gendered experiences in involuntary migration.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00147-yInvoluntary migrationImmigrant’s challengesLived experiencesHost community dynamicsCoping strategiesAfghan immigrant’s
spellingShingle Kashif Iqbal
Sheng Hongcheng
Hu Liang
Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
Discover Social Science and Health
Involuntary migration
Immigrant’s challenges
Lived experiences
Host community dynamics
Coping strategies
Afghan immigrant’s
title Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
title_full Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
title_fullStr Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
title_full_unstemmed Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
title_short Conflict-induced displacement in Pakistan: a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among Afghan immigrants
title_sort conflict induced displacement in pakistan a sociological study of lived experiences of involuntary migration among afghan immigrants
topic Involuntary migration
Immigrant’s challenges
Lived experiences
Host community dynamics
Coping strategies
Afghan immigrant’s
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44155-025-00147-y
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AT huliang conflictinduceddisplacementinpakistanasociologicalstudyoflivedexperiencesofinvoluntarymigrationamongafghanimmigrants