Kabul, Dec 1 (NationPress) The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) has criticized the Pakistani authorities for intensifying the harassment, arrests, and expulsion of Afghan journalists, particularly highlighting the detention of Afghan journalist Hamoon Khamosh and his family in Islamabad.

AMSO warned that Khamosh could face deportation back to Afghanistan, where journalists are subjected to intimidation, arbitrary detention, and strict limitations on their work. Reports indicate that many Afghan refugees who sought refuge in Pakistan are now living in fear for their safety, as noted by Afghanistan's prominent news agency, Khaama Press.

In the last month, AMSO reported that six Afghan journalists have been arrested and forcibly sent back to Afghanistan. Many of these journalists had previously escaped due to severe censorship, political pressure, and direct security threats in their home country while seeking asylum in Pakistan.

AMSO further elaborated that Afghan journalists, who left Afghanistan due to professional dangers, are now in a precarious situation where their lives and human dignity are at serious risk. What was once seen as a temporary refuge has turned into a location filled with uncertainty and fear.

Advocates for press freedom have called on the Pakistani government to cease deportations and promptly reinstate visa services for Afghan journalists, as forced deportation could lead them into life-threatening situations. Amid continuing tensions with Afghanistan, Pakistan has heightened the frequency of arrests and expulsions of Afghan nationals.

Recently, several Afghan refugees in Pakistan have reported being under constant pressure from local police, who are not only conducting searches but also arresting individuals and exploiting their vulnerable status for financial gain.

A report from the Afghanistan-based publication 8AM Media, also recognized as Hasht-e-Subh Daily, revealed that Afghan refugees in Pakistan are deprived of basic human rights and live in a state of persistent fear and anxiety. Human rights organizations and groups that support refugees have remained largely silent regarding the ongoing uncertainty and the government's failure to uphold its commitments to human rights and refugee protection.

In recent months, as tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan escalate, the Pakistani government has intensified its pressure on Afghan refugees, with security forces conducting widespread harassment of migrants daily in various regions, including Islamabad. In addition to official operations that involve the arrest of Afghan refugees without valid visas, individuals in plain clothes are reportedly extorting money from migrants in residential areas. Afghan nationals have expressed that they are living under inhumane circumstances filled with fear and that their refugee rights are not respected.

“The situation is incredibly distressing. I wish the official operations team would simply arrest and take people away. This method is not right; the police are aware that no one will report them, so they come individually for searches. Several men in plain clothes lie in wait in the neighbourhood, grab someone, and take them away. It is unclear whether they are police, thieves, or working with the police,” remarked one Afghan national.

“These individuals detain migrants in their personal vehicles; some are released on the spot after paying money, while others are taken to police stations. They are likely police officers themselves or collaborate with them. The rate of theft and robbery is alarmingly high, and no institution listens to the people’s concerns. The situation is profoundly painful; a country where there is no defender and its citizens lack protection or credibility globally,” this refugee added.

Junaid, another refugee, recounted a recent incident where he was approached by a man in plain clothes while he was out shopping.

Describing the experience, Junaid said, “He claimed to be a police officer and asked for my visa. When I asked for his identification, he responded violently, warning that if I spoke too much, I would be arrested. I attempted to resist, but two other men appeared and compelled me to get into a car. I had to pay 15,000 rupees to secure my release. We no longer know who the police are. It’s evident they have realized that migrants have no support and are exploiting this situation for personal gain.”