The Honorable Afrasiab Khattak
The Honorable Senator Afrasiab Khattak is a member of the Global Advisory Council of Displaced International (DI), a distinguished Pakistani leader, a global human rights advocate, and a recognized authority on Afghan refugee affairs. With an academic background in political science and international relations, he completed his higher education at the University of Peshawar, where he gained deep insight into regional dynamics and the complex geopolitical relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Senator Khattak’s career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of Afghan refugees, a cause he has championed for decades. He has long been a passionate voice for the displaced, advocating for policies that protect and empower refugee communities. His advocacy work began in earnest in 1989 when he joined the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). He served as the Vice-Chairman for the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) for three years, during which he played a crucial role in raising awareness of the dire conditions faced by Afghan refugees and advocating for their rights.
In addition to his work with HRCP, Senator Khattak co-founded the Afghanistan-Pakistan People’s Friendship Association, a platform dedicated to fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two nations. The association also worked to address the pressing issues related to the Afghan refugee crisis through collaboration, dialogue, and mutual understanding.
From 2009 to 2015, Senator Khattak served as a member of Pakistan’s Senate, where he became a tireless advocate for Afghan refugees, consistently pushing the government to adopt policies that are both compassionate and humane. His legislative efforts were critical in shaping national discourse on refugee rights, and in 2010, his exceptional contributions to human rights and parliamentary service earned him Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
A vocal critic of the unjust treatment of Afghan refugees, Senator Khattak has condemned actions that seek to scapegoat these vulnerable communities. He has warned that such discriminatory measures sow division and could have long-term negative consequences for the region. Senator Khattak is also an outspoken advocate for Pakistan’s ratification of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, calling for the creation of robust legal frameworks to ensure the protection and rights of refugees. His unyielding dedication to this cause is a testament to his broader commitment to human rights, social justice, and regional peace.
