The Impact of Forced Migration on Socio-Economic Condition of Migrants “A Case Study of District Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”

Abstract

This study is an attempt to understand the impact of forced migration on the socio-economic condition of migrants in district Swat. The objectives of the study are to focus on the socio-economic condition of the forced-displaced community and its effects on their social mobility. The quantitative method was utilized for the conduction of the study. The primary data was collected from a total of 384 respondents through a stratified sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as a tool for data collection. Furthermore, univariate level data was analyzed through percentages and frequency distribution, and bivariate chi-square tests were applied to find the association between the study variables. The study found that forced displacement has badly affected several social, economic, political, psychological, cultural, and traditional effects. Besides, the study focused on both the upward and downward mobility of forced-displaced communities. Forced displacement sometimes also exposes people to new socio-economic opportunities. The forced displaced people adopt new professions and establish new businesses to earn livelihood in the host areas. The forced displaced people left their homes, properties, markets, and businesses, which badly affected their socioeconomic mobility.  majority of the respondents i.e. 59.4% said that forced displacement affected the social mobility of migrants because their socio-economic condition was affected. While 58.6% of respondents said that forced displacement has effects on the social life of migrants. Most of the forced displaced people faced economic problems, a lack of education facilities, psychological problems, and living a low standard of life due to low income.