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Global Press Groups Urge Pakistan to Stop Harassing Exiled Afghan Journalists

International press freedom organizations have written to Pakistan's Prime Minister expressing grave concern over the harassment and deportation of Afghan journalists in exile. The crackdown has reportedly intensified amid military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with multiple arrests and forced returns documented. The groups warn that deporting these journalists exposes them to acute risks of retaliation and detention by the Taliban regime. They urge Pakistan to halt the deportations, release detained journalists, and establish a temporary protection framework.

Key Points: Press Freedom Groups Warn Pakistan Over Afghan Journalists

  • Harassment of exiled Afghan journalists
  • Arbitrary arrests and deportations
  • Risk of Taliban retaliation
  • Call for immediate halt to crackdown
  • Demand for temporary protection framework
2 min read

Global press freedom groups warn Pakistan over harassment of exiled Afghan journalists

International groups warn Pakistan over harassment and deportation of exiled Afghan journalists, citing risks of Taliban retaliation.

"The risks they face upon return to Afghanistan are acute and foreseeable. - Joint Letter"

Islamabad, March 14

Several international press freedom organisations have written to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing serious concern over the escalating harassment, arbitrary arrests, and deportations of Afghan journalists living in exile in Pakistan.

In a joint letter to Sharif, the organisations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Free Press Unlimited (FPU), said that Afghan journalists who fled Afghanistan to escape persecution by the Taliban regime are now being targeted in Pakistan.

According to the signatories, the crackdown by Pakistani authorities is unfolding amid escalating military tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and has reportedly intensified since Islamabad described the situation as an "open war" on February 27.

"Over the past week, multiple Afghan journalists living in exile in Pakistan have reportedly been arrested and placed in detention centres. These arrests add to the 20-odd cases documented since the beginning of 2026. Even more concerning, at least six journalists supported by RSF have been forcibly returned to Afghanistan in the last 15 days, bringing the total to nine since January this year," read the letter.

"The risks they face upon return to Afghanistan are acute and foreseeable. In this context, deporting Afghan journalists amounts to exposing them to retaliation, arbitrary detention, and worse," it added.

The organisations called on the Pakistani government to take immediate and concrete steps to end the repression and uphold its responsibilities.

They urged authorities to immediately halt the arbitrary arrest, detention, harassment, and forced deportation of Afghan journalists in Pakistan. The group also called for respect of "the principle of non-refoulement and ensure that no journalist or media worker is returned to Afghanistan when they face a risk of persecution, torture, or other serious harm."

They also urged the release of all detained Afghan journalists who have been held solely in connection with their immigration status or identity as Afghan nationals.

Highlighting the grim situation, the groups called on the Pakistani government to "provide a temporary protection framework for Afghan journalists awaiting resettlement to third countries, including clear guidance to police and local authorities to immediately end the severe harassment, extortion, and unlawful detention of journalists across Pakistan, particularly in the Islamabad region."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
The situation on the Pak-Afghan border has been tense for months. While I sympathize with the journalists, Pakistan's actions are likely driven by security paranoia, seeing every Afghan as a potential threat. A sad situation all around.
A
Aman W
Press freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. It's hypocritical for Pakistan to talk about human rights in Kashmir while doing this to journalists at home. The international community must hold them accountable.
S
Sarah B
Reading this from a global perspective, the principle of non-refoulement is critical. Pakistan is a signatory to international conventions. Sending people back to almost certain persecution is a serious violation. These organizations are right to speak up.
V
Vikram M
It's a complex issue. Pakistan is dealing with its own instability and TTP threats from Afghan soil. But targeting journalists who are just trying to report the truth? That's crossing a line. Hope the PM listens to these groups.
K
Karthik V
While the focus is rightly on Pakistan, we in India must also reflect. Do we provide a safe and welcoming environment for journalists and dissidents from our neighborhood? Our record is better, but there's always room for improvement. Let's lead by example.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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