FORCED REPATRIATION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES IN 2025 AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS ON THE COMMERCIAL LIFE OF QUETTA CITY

Abstract

The bordering countries Pakistan and Afghanistan have lasting historical, cultural and religious linkages. Pashtun living across the border have inseparable intimacy with each other. On this behalf the invasion carried out by USSR, and the succeeding events pushed the Pashtun of Afghanistan to cross the border and settle with their blood relatives on the other side of border. Similarly, when they were repatriated, both felt the pain of each other deeply and this panic situation ultimately devastated the socio-economic condition in both countries. This study was conducted to explore the forced deportation of afghan refugees in 2025 and its repercussions on the business and commercial activities of Quetta market. The study was carried out on qualitative methodological approach of social research, and data was collected from the stakeholders including traders, businessmen, immovable property dealers, vehicle showroom owners and so on. The findings depicted that the forced repatriation of refugees has greatly affected the economic and commercial life of Quetta city. This move has caused an uncertain environment in the city. The people especially financier are more anxious about the situation. The recessional situation is not forcing the investors shift their wealth to other cities or countries only but also producing unemployment and exacerbating criminal activities.