Increase in Threats and Risk of Deportation for Afghan Journalists in Pakistan

According to the report, published on Friday (March 14), exiled Afghan journalists not only remain under threat from the Taliban but also face legal and economic difficulties.

This report, part of the 22nd Annual South Asia Press Freedom Report, highlights that since the Taliban regained power in 2021, media freedom in Afghanistan has been severely restricted, forcing many journalists to flee.

The IFJ stated that the Taliban have unlawfully detained at least 14 journalists and recorded 85 cases of violence against journalists in 2023.

The organization also noted that pressure on Afghan refugees in Pakistan has increased in recent months. In October 2023, the Pakistani government announced the deportation of undocumented migrants by November of the same year, leading to the expulsion of 20,000 Afghans and the voluntary departure of 350,000 others.

The International Federation of Journalists has urged the global community to take action in supporting Afghan journalists and ensuring their security and resettlement in safe countries.