ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the interaction of tradition and environment of refugee conditions upon the contributions of a publicly neglected majority of the Afghan refugee population, and the refugees' struggle to regain control of their homeland. The regime's determination to move ahead with its reforms contributed to the birth of the Afghan resistance movement, the activation of the traditional principle of refuge or nanawatia in neighboring and culturally affiliated lands, and the re-emphasis of purdah in exile. The resistance to communist rule turned to resistance to the Soviet armed presence in Afghanistan and has continued unabated, with far-reaching consequences for Afghan women. Most of the refugees belong to the Pushtun tribes who comprise the majority in Afghanistan and a considerable minority in Pakistan. The Pakistan government has taken the initiative in assuming responsibility by providing the Afghans a refuge for humanitarian and political reasons.
