Afghan Basti, an unofficial refugee camp, located on the outskirts of Islamabad, Pakistan, was established in 2009. Currently there are around 3,000 registered Afghan refugees from some 500 families living in the camp out of an estimated 1.5 million registered refuges in the country, according to figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), although the actual number may be much higher. The UNHCR is working with the Pakistan government on a voluntary repatriation program to help refugees return to Afghanistan by the end of 2015.

An Afghan boy playfully points his toy gun at the photographer in Afghan Basti refugee camp near Islamabad, Pakistan on Monday. The refugees moved into this area after their previous camp was scheduled for redevelopment. Young Afghan men in the camp work during the day while the women and children stay at home. Photos: Li Hao/GT

Afghan boys jump into a pond near Afghan Basti. The UNHCR facilitates the voluntary return of Afghan refugees and has assisted more than 3.8 million Afghans to return home since 2002.

 

An elderly Afghan man prepares to eat lunch near the camp. The Pakistan government has renewed registration cards for refugees until 31 December 2015, and has agreed to a process which emphasizes voluntary return.

 

An Afghan woman heads home to Afghan Basti. To aid refugees to go home, the UNHCR and governments will work toward establishing sustainable conditions in return areas in Afghanistan.

Afghans crowd into an auto rickshaw near the camp. While the number of returning refugees has increased recently, continuing instability in Afghanistan means that many are still reluctant to go home.