Global Organizations Urge Pakistan to Halt Deportation of Afghan Journalists
Several international organizations advocating for press freedom and human rights have sent a letter to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, demanding an immediate stop to the detention and deportation of Afghan journalists residing in the country. These organizations emphasized that Islamabad must adhere to the principle of non-refoulement toward refugees.
The letter, sent on Wednesday, February 24, described the recent increase in arrests and deportations of Afghan journalists as “alarming.” The signatories warned that many of these journalists faced threats and pressure due to their professional activities following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, forcing them to flee the country.
According to these organizations, returning these journalists to Afghanistan could expose them to retaliatory arrests, arbitrary treatment, violence, and even the risk of death at the hands of the Taliban administration. Human rights bodies stressed that independent journalists in Afghanistan face extensive restrictions and systematic repression, and any forced return poses a serious threat to their lives.
The letter also called on the Pakistani government to not only halt deportations but also respect its international obligations to protect refugees and journalists at risk. This appeal comes amid growing concerns about media freedom within Pakistan itself.
The signatories highlighted the detention of Sohrab Barakat for over 90 days under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and expressed worry over the lack of accountability in cases involving the murders of journalists such as Arshad Sharif and Shahzad Dawar. They warned that the continuation of these conditions threatens both Pakistani journalists and Afghan journalists in exile, further constricting the media environment in Pakistan.
