Pakistani Police Arrest Afghan Journalist in Islamabad
Islamabad– The Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) has expressed deep concern over the arrest and detention of Afghan journalist Farishta Sadeed by Pakistani police in Islamabad.
In a statement released on Monday (April 14), AJSO said that the arrest highlights the worsening conditions faced by Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan. The organization condemned the treatment as a violation of freedom of expression and human rights, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to the profession of journalism.
AJSO stated that many Afghan journalists fled their homeland to escape threats, censorship, and restrictions imposed by the Taliban. However, they now face legal insecurity, discrimination, and threats in third countries as well.
The organization has called on the Pakistani government to ensure a transparent investigation into Farishta Sadeed’s case and to release her immediately. It has also urged embassies and international organizations handling Afghan journalist asylum cases to expedite their processes to help ensure safe relocation and protection.
Furthermore, AJSO also appealed to the international community, including the UNHCR and organizations supporting freedom of expression, to take urgent and concrete steps to protect Afghan journalists, offer legal aid, and facilitate their resettlement.
Concerns regarding the treatment of Afghan refugees, particularly journalists, have grown amid Pakistan’s ongoing deportation campaign. Since the beginning of April, Pakistani authorities have reportedly repatriated at least 600,000 Afghan refugees, with deportations continuing.
