The Department of Political Science, University of Peshawar in collaboration with the University of Sussex, UK organized an International Conference on the theme of ‘Protracted Displacement Crises in Pakistan’ at Sahabzada Abdul Qayyum Museum Hall, University of Peshawar on 5th May 2023.The conference was organzied through a research project Protracted Displacement Economies, funded by UK Research and Innovation through the Global Challenges Research Fund, that aims at exploring the dynamics of the economic lives of displacement-affected people around the world. Secretary of the Higher Education Archives and Libraries Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Ms. Aneela Mehfooz Durrani was the chief guest on this occasion. She was welcomed by Dr. Shahida Aman, Dr. Ayub Jan, Dr. Muhammad Zubair and Dr. Amer Raza. The chief guest appreciated the department for organizing such an event and highlighted the importance of higher education in the development of societies.

Academics such as Prof. Michael Collyer, Dr. Ceri Oeppen from the University of Sussex, Dr. Yasmin Fedda from Queen Mary University of London, Muhammad Salman from King’s College London, Dr. Claude Samaha from Basmeh and Zeitooneh, of Lebanon, Bilal Khan and Dr. Syed Rashid Ali, Abdul Wali Khan University of Mardan, Faraz Ali from University of Swabi, Dr. Rizwan Zeb from PAF Air War College Institute, Karachi and Dr. Abdul Rauf, Dr. Shahida Aman, Dr. Ayub Jan, Dr. Abida Bano, Shahzad Ali from University of Peshawar.

These scholars highlighted the socio-economic conditions of displaced people within and outside Pakistan. They stressed that the displaced people and the host communities both require our attention because both are affected by displacement in their own ways. The scholars also highlighted the contribution displaced people make to local economies and show remarkable resilience in the face of adversities.

Besides academics, the conference was attended by delegates from UNHCR, the International Organization of Migration, representatives of local NGOs, media persons, and a large number of students and faculty of various educational institutes from Pakistan. The conference dinner and cultural event were organized by the Department of Political Science in the historical Edwardes College Peshawar. Some renowned Pakistani and Afghan singers performed on this occasion such as Zarsanga Bibi, Ustad Amir Jan, Shaukat Swati, Faisal Marwat, Ustaz Nazir Latif, Sohrab Latif, Subhan Latif, Eeman Latif (Singers from IDEAS school of Music), Abdal  Khan (Edwardes College), and Edwin Yousaf.