Pakistani Academic Dr Sanaa Wins Prestigious American Award for Book on Afghan Refugees’ Impact on Urban Pakistan

Dr Sanaa Wins AIPS Book Prize for Groundbreaking Work on Afghan Refugees in Urban Pakistan

In a remarkable achievement for Pakistani academia, Dr Sanaa Alimia, associate professor at Aga Khan University, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Book Prize by the American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS). Her award-winning book, Refugee Cities: How Afghans Changed Urban Pakistan, offers an in-depth exploration of how Afghan refugees have significantly influenced the urban landscape of Pakistani cities like Karachi and Peshawar.

A Powerful Narrative of Refugee Impact

Published by the University of Pennsylvania Press, Dr Alimia’s book is the result of more than eight years of ethnographic research and in-depth interviews. It meticulously traces how Afghan refugees—often seen through a humanitarian or security lens—have in fact been key contributors to the development and evolution of urban centers in Pakistan.

The book delves into the ways displaced Afghan communities have reshaped the physical infrastructure, social structures, and economic dynamics of major cities. Far from being passive victims of circumstance, these communities have created sustainable neighborhoods and integrated themselves into the labor force, deeply enriching the urban fabric of Pakistan.

Why This Book Stands Out

The AIPS Book Prize Committee unanimously chose Refugee Cities as the winner, calling it an “enormous contribution to Pakistan Studies.” The committee particularly appreciated the book’s readability, rigorous fieldwork, and the fresh perspective it offers. By including hundreds of interviews and extensive archival research, Dr Alimia provides a comprehensive picture of how migration and displacement influence urban development.

This scholarly work challenges conventional narratives and emphasizes that Afghan refugees are active agents of change. They have not only survived in adversity but also significantly contributed to the cities they now call home.

Significance of the AIPS Book Prize

The American Institute of Pakistan Studies awards its annual book prize to works that advance the understanding of Pakistan’s society, history, culture, or politics. Funded through AIPS’s unrestricted funds, this award is a testament to scholarly excellence in the field of Pakistan studies. Dr Sanaa Alimia’s win highlights the global relevance of Pakistan-based research and recognizes her invaluable contribution to reshaping the conversation around migration, urbanism, and policy.

A Milestone for Pakistani Scholarship

Dr Sanaa’s recognition is more than just a personal victory—it is a proud moment for Pakistani academia. Her achievement signals the growing global acknowledgment of the country’s intellectual contributions. It also opens up new discussions on how refugees, often sidelined in national narratives, are vital contributors to social and economic growth.

Through her work, Dr Alimia not only brings visibility to marginalized voices but also encourages more inclusive urban policies in Pakistan. Her research invites policymakers, academics, and citizens alike to re-evaluate how we perceive and engage with displaced communities.