Pakistan Police Detain Three Afghan Journalists in Islamabad
Pakistani police detained three journalists in Islamabad overnight, prompting concern among media advocates over press freedom and the safety of exiled reporters.
Sources said Pakistani police detained three Afghanistan’s journalists around 1 a.m. on Tuesday in Islamabad, raising renewed concerns over the safety of exiled media workers in the country. The arrests reportedly took place in the Faisal Town area of the capital.
The detained journalists were identified as Zekrullah Yazdani, Ashiqullah Jalalzai, and Atiqullah Rahimi, according to sources. No official explanation for the detentions has been provided so far.
Following the Taliban’s return to power, hundreds of Afghan journalists fled the country fearing reprisals, censorship, and threats to their lives. Many sought temporary refuge in neighboring Pakistan while awaiting resettlement or visa processing.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) earlier expressed concern over the growing number of Afghanistan journalists being detained in Pakistan. The group warned that visa delays and arrests have created fear and uncertainty among refugees.
AMSO said the suspension of visa renewals and the detention of Afghan asylum seekers, including journalists, has placed many at risk of forced deportation. The organization urged immediate action to protect vulnerable media workers.
Pakistan has recently intensified measures against undocumented foreigners, leading to widespread arrests and deportations. Human rights groups say Afghan refugees, including journalists, have been disproportionately affected.
In response, AMSO called on international and humanitarian organizations to pressure Pakistan to guarantee the safety of Afghan journalists and halt arbitrary detentions. The group also urged host countries to accelerate relocation programs.
Observers warn that continued detentions could further endanger press freedom in the region. They say without international intervention, Afghan journalists in exile may face increasing risks, including forced return to Afghanistan.
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