Surviving The Shadows: Economic Struggles of Kashmiri Migrants in Refugee Camp Bagh Ajk

Surviving The Shadows: Economic Struggles of Kashmiri Migrants in Refugee Camp Bagh Ajk

Abstract:

The present research is concerned with the financial difficulties faced by the Kashmiri refugees who reside in the Mangh Bajri camp of Bagh district, Azad Kashmir. It is based on the Relative Deprivation Theory premise and examines the impacts of prolonged exile, joblessness, and scarce resources on people's views of inequality and poverty. Primary data collection included ten closed-ended and one open-ended question among the camp's inhabitants, aiming at the areas of income trends, job status, and access to the necessities of life including government aid.

Researcher :Anees Orangzaib

The results indicate that most families manage to live on paltry monthly payments of PKR 3,500 for each person, and there is not much opportunity available for the development of income or vocational training. The lack of clean water, and the high number of dependents in households, along with bad living conditions, all contribute to the difficulty of the financial situation even more so.

Moreover, the scarcity of material goods led the respondents to report social isolation, postponed marriages, and mental problems. The authors state that the government and charitable assistance provide only temporary relief but for the rehabilitation of the displaced population, long-term policies are necessary focusing on employment, education, and social integration. This study helps to elucidate the mechanisms of refugee livelihoods in post-conflict areas as it also yields some data for the shaping of economic support programs that are more inclusive.

Keywords:

Kashmiri migrants, bagh refugee camp, economic struggles, household income.

Introduction:

The Displacement of Kashmiri migrants into Azad Jammu and Kashmir has given rise to some of the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the region. Among these settlements is the Mangh Bajri refugee camp, which is located in Bagh, where almost 450 families estimated at 4,500 people struggle to survive in poverty, lack of resources, and limited possibilities of social mobility. During the author's visit to the place, it is most identified with acute financial insecurities as a tagline reference to many social and psychological problems of an interconnected nature.

A family of twelve to fifteen members typically lives confined in one or two small rooms, creating so much overcrowding and a lack of space for privacy. Because of the financial issues, a delay in marriage has been observed among young women, while their children grow up without enough housing, schooling, or health care. Increasingly, they are hampered by social exclusion and class differences as these migrants feel dissimilar to with local population. Some windows were also closed for young men by cutting job quotas and restricting entry for army commissions reducing their career options.

The central purpose of this study is the systematic documentation of these economic adversities based primarily on direct household data from Bagh refugee camp: An investigation unlike those predominantly concentrating on Muzaffarabad camps, this attempt puts forth an original account of the economic survival strategies and livelihood struggles facing migrants in Bagh.

The importance of this study is to highlight the economic conditions of Kashmiri migrants living in the Mangh Bajri refugee camp Bagh AJK. Through analyzing income sources, monetary support systems, work patterns, access to basic needs, and long-standing economic challenges, this study demonstrates how displacement has altered not only the economic environment of the migrants but also their prospects of achieving a stable and empowered future.

Previous research has made significant contributions towards understanding the plight of Kashmiri migrants, from relating education and empowerment among refugee women in Muzaffarabad by Ayesha Rasheed Dar[1], to the gendered dimension of dislocation; socio-economic standards of migrant households in Muzaffarabad as explored by Raja Nazakat Ali and colleagues[2], focusing on how all these are significant in terms of poverty in which they live.

While such studies can be good, they do not cover Bagh, which is a unique case with conditions of poverty, congestion, and social exclusion being specifically experienced by migrants. This study intends to proceed and fill that gap to add to the already available literature on Kashmiri displacement.

The author applies the relative deprivation theory to analyse in his research. Given that such deprivation creates frustration and dissatisfaction for the individual or group in comparison with another individual or group, the theory is very relevant to the case of the Kashmiri migrants because they measure their status against the better jobs, houses, and social positions enjoyed by the local population. Such thinking on inequality may go some way in explaining the psychological pressures, delayed marriages, and frustrations with limited jobs expressed by the respondents. In other words, the material miseries of such migrants have an unbroken linkage with a sense of relative deprivation

The study adopts a quantitative approach methodologically. A structured questionnaire was administered to ten refugee households in the Bagh camp addressing matters such as family size, levels of income, occupations, sources of financial assistance, access to necessities, and the most important economic challenges.

This survey was, in fact, supplemented by field observations in which respondents also cited concerns that did not immediately relate to the questionnaire-perhaps overcrowding, lack of privacy, discrimination, and mental stress. By linking these accounts of personal experience to the survey data, the analysis aims to conceptualize measurable trends as related to lived experience by presenting a more holistic understanding of the economic struggles faced by Kashmiri migrants in Bagh.

Data Analysis & Result:

The authors state that the government and charitable assistance provide only temporary relief but for the rehabilitation of the displaced population, long-term policies are necessary focusing on employment, education, and social integration. This study helps to elucidate the mechanisms of refugee livelihoods in post-conflict areas as it also yields some data for the shaping of economic support programs that are more inclusive.

2: Earning Members:

A typical household consists of one breadwinner who is bringing up a large family of dependents in the range of six to sixteen. This situation puts an extremely heavy financial load on the main earner. In some cases, children or older parents are dependent solely on one income, and difficulty arises in families being able to save money or plan for emergencies. Data indicates that most of the refugee families are living under high dependency ratios thus increasing their economic vulnerability.

3: Are You Are Someone in Your Family Employed?

The employment data indicate that the majority of respondents are involved in low-wage and labour-intensive jobs like drivers, daily wage workers, and shopkeepers. Only a handful of individuals have stable employment, for instance, one working in the government and another one teaching at a private school. The rest are doing casual work without any assurance of securing that job or getting a certain amount of income, which results in their financial conditions being unstable.

According to the respondents, seven families rely entirely on daily wage labor, one depends on a small business, one on private tutoring, and one on a government job. This indicates that the vast majority of the population depends on informal and unstable employment. The scarcity of formal job openings reduces their earning power and adds to financial uncertainty, thus many have no option but to live from one day to the next.

Every one of the participants stated that they get a government subsidy of PKR 3,500 monthly per individual without exception. In addition to this, some people get help from charities from time to time especially during Ramadan when they get food or ration packages. The support is very basic for living but still not enough to cater to other things like health, education, and rent which are also very basic needs.

6: Do You Have Regular Access to Basic Necessities Like Water, Electricity and Food?

It is noted that among the respondents, access to basic needs is not the same. Electrification is common to most households but the power is not reliable. Clean water has become the biggest issue in most cases and people have to go to the farthest point to get water. Generally, food is always available but the quality and variety are very low. There are also some families living in rented houses that are not suitable for habitation, thus they are facing additional difficulties.

7: Financial Difficulties:

The survey revealed that not a single respondent had benefited from the government or NGOs' formal training, skill development, or employment opportunities. This confirms the absolute lack of institutional assistance to enhance their living conditions. A considerable number of participants said they were ready to undergo skills training but added that their area was never involved in any programs or awareness sessions.

8: Any Training or Employment Opportunities:

9: How Many Times in Month Are You Forced to Borrow Money from Someone?

Respondents mentioned that they usually borrow money for emergencies and not regularly. Most of the time, they borrow money to cover school fees, medical bills, or rent. This behaviour indicates a constant cycle of financial dependence. The inability to deal with emergencies with their own income makes them rely on friends or relatives more often, thus intensifying their feeling of insecurity.

10: Financial Situation Improved or Worsened Over Past Five Years:

Out of the ten respondents, six mentioned that their financial situation has been getting worse over five years mainly because of price increases and a lack of job opportunities. The three people said that their situation has not changed at all, and the only one was able to report a better condition after being hired. In conclusion, the majority of the people concerned think that their economic situation has either been the same or worse, which is a sign of no progress and no opportunities for upward movement.

Additional Reported Issues Beyond Structured Questions:

These effects were well beyond the hearings and structured survey questions into perceptions on fieldwork with Kashmiri migrants in the Bagh refugee camps. The matter of concern raised reflects upon the complex emotional, social, and psychological referents of displacement.

Delayed Marriages:

One of the biggest concerns citizens mention time and again was the delay of marriages due to constant economic instability. Parents could not make arrangements for the marriage of their children as finances were inadequate, dowry besides unemployment remained their basic problems. A deep sense of anxiety is creeping into this generation since they are uncertain about their future. An inability to fulfill cultural expectations as a governing social expectation creates a sense of shame and frustration in the community.

Lack of Privacy and Overcrowded Living Conditions:

Overcrowding in refugee settlements emerged as another major issue. Many families are forced into such small living quarters that privacy and comfort become impediments. This survey particularly highlighted gender concerns regarding personal space, hygiene, and safety for women. The lack of privacy affects physical well-being but also contributes to mental fatigue and emotional stress. Shelter, they said, is good, but dignity is lacking in their environment.

Class-Based Discrimination:

Respondents also mentioned instances of discrimination and therefore exclusion from the host communities. They maintained that being called "refugees" is derogatory. Some stated the locals avoid social contact while others resent the living presence of migrant families. Such discrimination has further entrenched their isolation and dependency, denying them any meaningful possibility of integration into the host society.

Psychological Stress and Emotional Burden:

The severe psychological strain got the greatest mention among the discussed issues. Many participants spoke about feelings of despair, sorrow, and near-constant comparison with the local populace leading a more prosperous life. The protracted uncertainty over their legal and economic status has deepened emotional fatigue. Some respondents stated that being unable to provide education or health care for their children made them feel helpless and somewhat guilty. This untreated chronic psychological pressure has been engendering a silent crisis in the camps, wherein trauma forms the background noise of everyday life yet remains largely unspoken.

Summary:

These qualitative findings stare the struggle of Kashmiri migrants in the face of distinct livelihood deprivation. Their civil and social fabric is soaked in these experiences; they are emaciated of the social, emotional, and dignified setting. Amalgamation of marriage delay, encroachment upon privacy, discrimination, and psychological stress stresses the immediate need to initiate rehabilitation programs based on a holistic and integrated approach that fits the mental and social well-being of the displaced family together with economic poverty.

Theoretical application / discussion:

The data obtained from the Bagh refugee camps undoubtedly demonstrate the fundamental principle of the Relative Deprivation Theory, which pinpoints the root cause of people’s dissatisfaction with their comparison with others. It is a fact that refugees receive PKR 3,500 monthly but it is also a fact that they are totally at the mercy of NGOs when it comes to seasonal support. Thus, the income disparity between them and the local households is so wide that most of the refugee population feels they are not just the less fortunate ones but also outlaws in society.

Most of the surveyed population is represented by daily labourers earning very little or selling poor-quality products. They have difficulty getting necessities like clean water and housing. The electricity and food situation in the area is better, but the gap between the social classes in terms of living conditions and communities’ standards has already created social unrest and discontent among the people.

In addition to the above-mentioned sources of suffering, the respondents also pointed out issues like postponed weddings, overcrowding, and tolerating rivalries and stress that directly or indirectly affect their mental and social well-being. The factor of self-exclusion, in this case, is therefore made worse by the emotional and social problems that are highlighted by the participants’ perception of being neglected. To sum up, the data depict the plight of Kashmiri migrants as an issue not merely of poverty but that of unfulfilled wants and unequal chances which is in strong agreement with the reasoning of the Relative Deprivation Theory.

Findings:

According to the study, the situation of Kashmiri migrants in Bagh refugee camps remains sharply critical. The majority of the families live on a monthly income of PKR 20,000–25,000 and have only one member earning to support big families of six to sixteen people. Most of them are doing low-paid informal jobs while getting skilled or permanent work is almost impossible.

All the respondents, however, are given a monthly government allowance of PKR 3,500 per head, and still, this support is not enough to satisfy even the basic needs. The struggle to have access to potable water and decent housing is still very serious, to the extent that some families are living in rental or temporary accommodations. Educational and healthcare costs were pointed out as the major financial drains, while borrowing, which is sometimes frequent, is a sign of dependency and poverty that has become structural. The lack of any training or job openings is also a factor in the limited Economic mobility.

Providing only basic needs through poverty line support respondents would further report social and psychological challenges like postponed marriages, crowded living, discrimination, and emotional stress. The above-mentioned findings reveal that their difficulties are not just limited to financial ones, but also very much associated with their feelings of being unfairly treated and of being ignored— this is in line with the Relative Deprivation Theory, which explains that perceived inequalities heighten frustration and despair.

Recommendations:

Vocational Training and Employment Programs:

The government together with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should carry out skill development workshops and small-scale employment schemes in the refugee camps to help the migrants move from dependency to self-reliance gradually.

Improvement of Basic Infrastructure:

Access to clean drinking water, decent housing, and uninterrupted electricity has to be secured quickly through immediate steps. The quality of life would improve straight away and health-related stress would be greatly reduced as a result of these measures.

Increase in Monthly Allowance:

It is high time the allowance of PKR 3,500 per person which is currently in place be adjusted to inflation and cost of living. A structured review mechanism would ensure that the financial support continues to be adequate over time.

Educational and Healthcare Support:

Particularly children and women should be given support in the form of special scholarships, free school supplies, and healthcare camps to cover the costs of education and medical care.

Psychosocial Support and Community Integration:

The mental health issues should be dealt with through counselling services and community programs and that would not only lessen the social exclusion and discrimination feelings of the refugees but also integrate them with the host communities.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that Kashmiri migrants living in the Bagh refugee camps continue to face deep-rooted economic and social hardships. Despite minimal government assistance, their dependency on irregular income and external aid keeps them trapped in a cycle of poverty. The findings reveal limited access to basic necessities such as clean water, stable housing, and healthcare, while employment opportunities remain almost non-existent.

Through the lens of Relative Deprivation Theory, it becomes clear that these communities experience not only material poverty but also psychological deprivation—feeling left behind compared to the surrounding host population. This sense of exclusion fuels frustration and emotional distress, highlighting that the issue extends beyond economics to social inequality and dignity.

Sustainable change requires targeted policy measures focused on employment generation, infrastructure improvement, and psychosocial support. Addressing these areas will not only improve living standards but also restore a sense of belonging and hope among displaced Kashmiri families.

References:

1: Dar, Ayesha Rasheed. Linkages Between Education and Empowerment: The Case of Kashmiri Refugee Women. Islamabad: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, 2016.

https://file.pide.org.pk/uploads/dept-of-ds-working-papers-linkages-between-education-and-empowerment.

2: Ali, Raja Nazakat, Abdul Majid Dar, and Asghar Iqbal. “Socio-Economic Assessments and Living Standards of Kashmiri Migrants Living in Camps in Muzaffarabad (AJ&K).” Pakistan Vision 20, no. 2 (2019).

https://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/studies/PDF-FILES/28_v20_2_19.pdf

3: Orangzaib, Anees. Field Study on Economic Struggles of Kashmiri Migrants in Bagh Refugee Camp. Conducted August 2025 (unpublished primary data).

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Surviving The Shadows: Economic Struggles of Kashmiri Migrants in Refugee Camp Bagh Ajk

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