AJSO: Afghan Journalists Facing Distressing Conditions in Pakistan
Tawazon – The Afghan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) has condemned the recent arrests and harassment of Afghan journalists and their families by Pakistani authorities.
In a statement released on Wednesday, AJSO highlighted that the ongoing mistreatment of Afghan journalists by Pakistani police reflects the grim and troubling situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The organization reported that two days ago, Pakistani police arrested an Afghan journalist in Islamabad, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons. The following night, another journalist, Zakia Kawian, was also detained.
AJSO described these incidents as just a few examples of the inhumane treatment Afghan journalists endure, stressing that the overall situation is likely much worse.
The organization urged the Pakistani government to honor human rights and treat Afghan journalists with the dignity and respect expected from a host country.
These arrests are part of a broader trend, with reports of Pakistani police detaining, mistreating, and deporting Afghan refugees—including women and children—in various cities.
Since the fall of Afghanistan’s republican government, thousands of Afghans have taken refuge in Pakistan. Many live in difficult conditions as they wait for relocation to destinations like the U.S., Europe, and the U.K.
