Memory and National Identity Among Afghan Refugees in Peshawar

Abstract

Drawing on the literature on nationalism and national attachment, as well as memory studies, we analyze the extent to which Afghan refugees in Peshawar continue to identify strongly with their homeland, or with Pakistan. Based on survey research and in-depth interviews, we find that second generation immigrants have a stronger Pakistani and weaker Afghan identification compared to those who grew up in Afghanistan. This relationship is mediated by a number of factors, including religion. Native Pashto speakers generally have a stronger sense of Pakistani identity compared to non-Pashto speakers, and Urdu fluency also has an impact on their national identity. Interestingly, those who gained their education through a religious seminary, or madrasa, identify more strongly with Pakistan compared to those who studied in the public school system. Furthermore, self-reported regularity in daily prayers and Quranic recitation is also associated with a stronger sense of Pakistani identity.