Five Afghan journalists were recently detained by Pakistani police, as reported by the Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO). Among them were journalist Samim Forough Faizi and cameraman Ataullah Shirzad, with others choosing anonymity due to security risks. Although the journalists have been released, AMSO highlighted ongoing concerns regarding arbitrary detentions and insecurity faced by Afghan reporters in Pakistan.
AMSO pointed out that many Afghan journalists sought refuge in Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan due to threats, censorship, and political pressures. The organization emphasized the uncertain conditions Afghan journalists and their families are experiencing in Pakistan, noting that Islamabad has not been extending visas to many Afghan refugees.
Rights groups have raised alarms over increasing deportations and strict immigration policies affecting Afghan journalists seeking safety and resettlement abroad. AMSO has called for enhanced support from international media and human rights organizations for Afghan journalists grappling with insecurity and legal challenges in Pakistan.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 17,870 Afghans returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan between January 18-24 through various border crossing points. During this period, the number of returns slightly decreased while deportations rose by 12% compared to the previous week.
In response to the situation, the Taliban expressed concerns over the rising challenges faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan, urging the Pakistani government to respect refugee rights and cease the arrests and harassment of Afghan migrants. The Taliban emphasized the need for economic cooperation and support for Afghan refugees returning to Afghanistan, calling on international organizations to intervene where refugee rights are violated.
