With deep concern, it has been reported that police of Pakistan have arrested a number of Afghan refugees in Islamabad, the capital city of the country, and transferred them to an unknown place for unknown reasons. A number of Afghan journalists are among the arrestees.
According to the reports, phones, laptops, cameras, and other electronic and personal devices of journalists have been seized and inspected. Journalists have reported that these arrested refugees include those who have passports and visas and are legally residing in Pakistan.
This illegal and violent act of Pakistani police is against all international principles and agreements and in any way violates humanitarian agreements, treaties, and immigration policy agreements.
Afghanistan Journalists’ Support Organization is in regular contact with the journalists living in Pakistan and all its partner organizations so that this problem can be solved as soon as possible.
The safety of refugee journalists in all countries is protected based on international principles. Therefore, we will not remain silent and will definitely advocate for the rights and safety of our colleagues in Pakistan.
We sincerely request the people, civil society, journalists, and media institutions of Pakistan to advocate for the arrested Afghan refugees based on protecting freedom, security, and human rights for Afghan journalists and Afghan civilian refugees in general and take action for their release.
We also ask international organizations such as the United Nations, UNHCR, and organizations that support journalists to take serious action regarding this issue.
Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO)
Afghanistan Journalists’ Support Organization (AJSO) is concerned about the illegal arrest of Afghan exiled Afghan journalists in Pakistan
