A press freedom organization has raised alarm about a recent surge in repression targeting Afghan refugees, including exiled journalists in Pakistan. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) expressed worry that the escalating tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, labeled an “open war” by Islamabad on February 27, are being used as a justification for the crackdown. Afghan journalists seeking refuge in Pakistan are reportedly facing arrests, threats of deportation, and the looming risk of reprisals if sent back to the Taliban regime.
The RSF highlighted that several exiled Afghan journalists have been detained in Pakistan in the past week amidst increasing military tensions between the two nations. These journalists, held in detention centers, add to the nearly 20 arrests documented by RSF since the beginning of 2026. Notably, at least six journalists supported by RSF have been forcibly repatriated to Afghanistan in the last 15 days, bringing the total to nine since January.
According to RSF, multiple media professionals have expressed concerns over the situation. One journalist shared, “Since February 27, the police have been conducting repeated checks and operations against Afghans in our area.” The RSF also highlighted instances of extortion by Pakistani forces outside the legal framework, with journalists recounting experiences of being detained and forced to pay to avoid deportation.
The RSF emphasized that these journalists fled Afghanistan due to the restrictive measures imposed by the Taliban regime, which has been shutting down media outlets and targeting reporters. Celia Mercier, Head of the RSF South Asia desk, stated, “The current situation should not be exploited for arbitrary arrests and deportations. Such actions are particularly egregious as they target media professionals who fled Afghanistan to escape Taliban threats.”
RSF called on Pakistani authorities to halt the arrests and deportations of Afghan journalists, ensure their protection, and uphold the principle of non-refoulement. The organization noted that the recent crackdown is part of a broader policy by Pakistani authorities to expel Afghan refugees, initiated in 2023 amid strained relations with the Taliban regime.
