Afghan Journalists in Pakistan Face Immediate Threat of Deportation

Reporters Without Borders has issued a new statement warning of an emergency situation for Afghan journalists living in Pakistan, saying many are enduring constant fear of arrest and deportation.

The global press freedom organization reported that in recent months, amid an accelerated wave of deportations from Pakistan, at least 20 Afghan journalists under its protection have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan — a country where, according to human rights organizations, they face serious risk of retaliation from the Taliban regime.

According to the statement, many other exiled journalists have also been arbitrarily detained by Pakistani police and taken to detention centers, with some deported within just a few hours.

Reporters Without Borders said it has supported nearly 200 journalists in securing temporary asylum in Pakistan. However, delays in processing or complete halts in relocation programs to safe third countries have left many stranded for years.

The organization called on the Pakistani government to stop the deportation of Afghan journalists and urged the international community to promptly establish safe and legal pathways for their resettlement.

Pakistan’s policy of deporting Afghan migrants, which began in 2023, has continued despite widespread international criticism and repeated appeals to protect journalists and other vulnerable groups.