Quetta, Pakistan—In the dimly lit confines of a modest dwelling in Quetta’s sprawling slums, 18-year-old Ms. Wahida sits silently, her vacant gaze fixed on an indeterminate point. Once a promising national athlete from Afghanistan, Wahida’s journey to Pakistan was fraught with unimaginable horrors that have left her mentally scarred and emotionally shattered.
The resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan in August 2021 marked a severe regression in women’s rights. Edicts banning female education beyond primary school and prohibiting women’s participation in sports became the norm. Wahida, who had dedicated her youth to athletics, found her aspirations abruptly crushed. Fearing for her future and safety, she fled to Pakistan with her elderly parents, seeking refuge from the oppressive regime in late 2022.
The family’s escape was orchestrated by unscrupulous human traffickers. Unable to pay the exorbitant fees demanded, Wahida was subjected to sexual assault by the very individuals they had entrusted with their lives. This traumatic experience was only the beginning of her ordeal.

Life in Exile: From Hope to Despair
Upon reaching Quetta, the family sought shelter in a congested slum, relying on the goodwill of the local Afghan community. However, as undocumented refugees, they faced insurmountable barriers to basic services, including education and legal employment. In a bid to support her family, Wahida took up domestic work in a nearby household, where she was brutally raped by three men. The compounded trauma from these assaults precipitated a severe mental breakdown, rendering her unable to function and placing additional strain on her aging parents.
A Widespread Crisis of Mental Health
Wahida’s story, while harrowing, is not unique. Pakistan hosts over four million Afghan refugees, the majority of whom are women and children. A significant number have endured violence, physical abuse, and sexual assault. Dr. Arsalan Qureshi, a mental health expert in Quetta, observes, “A large number of Afghan women have almost lost their mental balance due to trauma. This has a profound impact on their families, especially young girls.”
Studies corroborate these observations. Research indicates that 69.7% of Afghan university students exhibited clinical signs of depression following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, with women disproportionately affected. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 60.77% of Afghans experienced collective violence, such as assaults with weapons or exposure to war zones, leading to widespread mental health disorders.
The Silent Suffering of Afghan Women
The Taliban’s return to power has intensified sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women in Afghanistan. Reports highlight a surge in egregious acts, including murder, honor killings, sexual assault, forced marriages, and physical injuries.
The oppressive regime has systematically eroded women’s rights, leading to increased instances of domestic abuse, forced and underage marriages, and a pervasive decline in women’s economic independence.
Mental Health Challenges
The protracted displacement and exposure to conflict have precipitated significant mental health issues among Afghan refugees. A study involving 305 participants revealed that 52.8% experienced anxiety, 57.7% suffered from depression, 10.5% met the criteria for PTSD, and 20.7% were diagnosed with complex PTSD.These figures underscore the pervasive psychological distress within this population.
Access to healthcare remains a critical concern. A survey of 1,123 Afghan refugee households in Pakistan reported an injury incidence rate of 50.8 per 1,000 persons annually, with males constituting 69% of the injured.Communicable diseases are prevalent, with respiratory tract infections affecting 48.05% of refugees, while skin diseases and diarrhea collectively impact 21.08%.
Maternal health is particularly alarming, with a maternal mortality ratio of 291 per 100,000 live births and an infant mortality rate of 42 per 1,000 live births.
Barriers to Mental Health Support
Despite the evident need, Afghan women face significant obstacles in accessing mental health services. Cultural stigmas, restrictive gender norms, and a scarcity of resources deter many from seeking help. The lack of culturally sensitive, trauma-informed care further exacerbates the crisis.
The plight of Afghan women like Wahida underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems. This includes providing accessible mental health services, legal protections, and initiatives aimed at preventing further violence. Without concerted efforts from the international community and host nations, the silent suffering of these women will persist, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and despair.
Demographics and Legal Status
Pakistan hosts approximately 1.5 million registered Afghan refugees and an estimated 3 million unregistered Afghans. The influx began in 1979, with numbers peaking at over 4 million before declining due to repatriation efforts and coercive measures by Pakistani authorities. Notably, since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, an additional 600,000 Afghans have sought refuge in Pakistan. Many of these recent arrivals lack official recognition, rendering them vulnerable to legal uncertainties and potential deportation.
Heartbreaking and infuriating! No woman should have to endure such suffering just for seeking safety. The international community must do more to protect Afghan refugees, especially women, from such horrific violence
This is a grim reminder of how vulnerable displaced people are, especially women. Pakistan and global humanitarian organizations need to step up and provide mental health support, legal protection, and safer shelters
How tracjik ……………..???
It’s tragic to see that even after escaping war, Afghan women continue to face violence and oppression. Authorities must crack down on human traffickers and abusers who take advantage of vulnerable refugees
The mental health crisis among Afghan women needs urgent attention.
reading Wahida’s story brought tears to my eyes. How many more Afghan women have to suffer in silence before real action is taken? Trauma counseling and justice for these women should be a priority