Afghan Journalists in Exile in Pakistan Demand End to Forced Deportations
As the deportation of Afghans from Iran and Pakistan intensifies, exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan are calling for an end to forced deportations and international support to protect their rights.
Kokcha News: Dozens of Afghan journalists who fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 are now at risk of forced deportation. On Saturday, August 18, these journalists expressed their concerns over the suspension of visa extensions and the increasing number of detentions in Pakistan.
The journalists called for immediate intervention by the Pakistani government, media support organizations, and international bodies to halt the forced deportations. They warned that returning to Afghanistan could expose them to retaliation by the Taliban, putting their lives at risk.
Many of these journalists and their families are now living in fear, forced to seek shelter in unfamiliar streets and areas. While expressing gratitude for the hospitality of the Pakistani people and government, the journalists emphasized that human rights principles must be upheld in the deportation process.
Media activists have also warned that the continuation of this trend could lead to a humanitarian disaster and deal a severe blow to press freedom. Thousands of Afghan journalists fled to Pakistan after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, awaiting resettlement to European countries and the United States.
These refugees have been living in limbo in Pakistan for months or even years. With the suspension of visa extensions and the rise in detentions, the threat of forced deportation has become a pressing concern.
The journalists and their families are now urging the international community to take swift action to protect their rights and ensure their safety, as returning to Afghanistan under Taliban rule is not a viable option for many.
