Families Demand Answers as Two Afghan Journalists Remain Missing in Islamabad

Two Afghan media activists, Seyed Qassem Hashemi and Hamid Ehsas, have been missing in Islamabad for nearly 85 days. Their families have called on Pakistani security agencies to provide necessary explanations.

Two Afghan Journalists Disappear in Islamabad

Seyed Qassem Hashemi, a journalist, and Hamid Ehsas, a filmmaker, vanished almost three months ago in Islamabad. The families of these media activists have urged Pakistani security authorities to clarify their situation. The two have not been heard from since their migration to Pakistan following the political developments of Asad 1400, with their disappearance dating back to the night of July 14. The families assert that the vehicle belonging to the two journalists was located in the D-12 area of Islamabad, yet there is no sign of the individuals themselves. The spouses of the two media workers have stated that Pakistani police have refused to file a formal complaint (FIR) and have been unresponsive to their repeated inquiries.

Legal Obstacles in Pursuing the Fate of Media Activists

The families have also highlighted the challenges related to legal residency documents and visa extensions, which have created serious difficulties in pursuing their loved ones’ case. In this context, other Afghan journalists seeking refuge in Islamabad are also expressing concern regarding this situation. Amnesty International has classified the disappearance of these two media activists as a sign of “enforced disappearance” or arbitrary detention and has called for immediate and transparent investigations by the Pakistani government. The human rights organization has voiced its concerns over the implications of this incident and its effects on human rights in Pakistan.

Increased Pressures on Afghan Media Community

Furthermore, Afghan journalists seeking asylum in Islamabad have pointed to a lack of personal safety and legal gaps, stating that this situation has exacerbated psychological pressures on the media community in exile. The disappearance of these two journalists serves as a serious alarm for other media activists in Pakistan.