Afghan Journalist Detained by Pakistani Police En Route to Islamabad

Syed Qasim Hashemi, an Afghan journalist, was detained by Pakistani police on Thursday, May 26, while traveling from Abbottabad to Islamabad. According to informed sources, the incident occurred around 12:19 pm.

So far, no clear details have been released regarding the reason for his detention, his place of custody, or his health condition. Pakistani officials have not made any official statements on the matter.

This arrest comes at a time when, following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, a large number of journalists and media activists have fled the country due to security concerns and fear of persecution and retaliation. Many have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Iran.

Freedom of expression organizations have consistently emphasized that migrant journalists should be granted legal protection. Arbitrary detentions or ambiguous treatment of them raise further concerns about the state of media freedom and the safety of Afghan journalists abroad.