Are Afghan Journalists in Pakistan and Iran Facing Deteriorating Conditions?
Synopsis
Afghan journalists stranded in Pakistan and Iran are in dire straits, facing deportation risks and prolonged uncertainty. The AMSO calls for immediate action to ensure their safety and expedite humanitarian visa processes. Discover the grim reality faced by these journalists as they seek refuge from escalating threats.
Key Takeaways
AMSO reports worsening conditions for Afghan journalists in Pakistan and Iran.
Many journalists face deportation risks while awaiting humanitarian visas.
Prolonged delays negatively impact their mental and physical health.
AMSO urges the need for immediate processing of visas and relocation updates.
International support is crucial for the safety of Afghan journalists.
Kabul, Feb 19 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) has highlighted that Afghan journalists stranded in Pakistan and Iran are experiencing increasingly dire situations as they await their humanitarian visas, according to local media outlets.
The organisation reported that numerous journalists who fled Afghanistan due to security threats are now at risk of deportation from their host countries while their relocation remains unresolved, as reported by Afghanistan's prominent news agency Khaama Press.
AMSO emphasized that prolonged bureaucratic delays and a lack of definitive visa timelines are adversely impacting the mental and physical well-being of these journalists. The group has specifically appealed to Brazilian authorities and diplomatic missions to expedite the processing of humanitarian visas and to provide transparent updates on the relocation protocols.
A significant number of Afghan journalists who escaped Afghanistan currently reside in neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Iran, where their legal status and livelihood opportunities remain precarious. AMSO, along with various international rights organizations, has asserted that prompt relocation efforts for these journalists are crucial to safeguarding them from ongoing insecurity and uncertainty abroad.
On February 2, AMSO reported that five Afghan journalists had been arrested by Pakistani authorities over the preceding fortnight. Among those detained were journalist Samim Forough Faizi and cameraman Ataullah Shirzad, with others opting to remain anonymous due to security concerns, as per Khaama Press.
The organisation noted that while the journalists have since been released, arbitrary detentions and insecurity continue to pose significant threats to Afghan reporters in Pakistan.
AMSO underscored that Afghan journalists and their families are enduring uncertain conditions in Pakistan, particularly as Islamabad has halted visa extensions for many Afghan refugees.
Rights organizations have cautioned that escalating deportations and strict immigration policies have exacerbated the plight of Afghan journalists seeking safety and resettlement abroad. AMSO has called on international media and human rights organizations to enhance their support for Afghan journalists grappling with insecurity and legal challenges in Pakistan.
Point of View
It is our duty to uphold the values of freedom of expression and support the safety of journalists. The conditions faced by Afghan journalists in Pakistan and Iran are alarming, and we must advocate for their rights and expedite their relocation to ensure their safety.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation of Afghan journalists in Pakistan and Iran?
Afghan journalists in Pakistan and Iran are facing worsening conditions, with risks of deportation and prolonged delays in obtaining humanitarian visas.
What actions is AMSO taking to support Afghan journalists?
AMSO is urging authorities to expedite the processing of humanitarian visas and provide clear updates on relocation procedures for Afghan journalists.
What risks do Afghan journalists face in their host countries?
Afghan journalists are at risk of arbitrary detentions, deportation, and insecurity as they navigate their legal status in Pakistan and Iran.
