Pakistan welcomed over 3 million Afghan refugees into its borders. Pakistan was benefited politically, economically and militarily by the presence of the Afghan refugees. The refugees allowed Pakistan to garner support from the US as well as internationally. Pakistan used the refugees to position itself more favorably regarding its dispute with Afghanistan. Pakistan was able to heavily influence and shape the political discourse by using several Afghan Political parties to establish control in the area. Pakistan added to its resistance parties by making membership a precondition for refugee assistance.
