Kabul, Aug 10 (IANS) — Exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan have appealed to the international community, media rights bodies, and humanitarian organisations to halt forced deportations and provide immediate protection. Many fled Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in 2021, but now face arrest, deportation, and loss of legal status following Pakistan’s suspension of visa extensions.
According to Afghanistan-based Khaama Press, thousands of journalists, including men, women, and children, live in constant fear—some forced to take shelter in unsafe or unfamiliar places. Journalists stressed that deportations must comply with international human rights standards and not return anyone to Afghanistan, where they could face persecution. Media advocates warned that ongoing arrests could trigger a humanitarian crisis and severely damage press freedom. Legal pathways for relocation have stalled, and blocked visa renewals have worsened the risk of forced returns.
Earlier this week, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) called on Pakistan to halt deportations of vulnerable Afghan refugees, particularly women, girls, students, and those with medical needs. The agency warned that forcible repatriation could violate fundamental human rights. It urged Pakistan not to deport Afghans holding temporary residence permits, stressing the need for continued international protection.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior recently announced that Afghan nationals holding Proof of Registration (PoR) cards will be encouraged to return voluntarily immediately, with compulsory repatriation for those remaining to begin on September 1. Exiled journalists warn that without urgent intervention, these measures could cause irreversible harm to individuals and deal a devastating blow to human rights and press freedom in Afghanistan.
