Afghan Journalists in Pakistan Fear Deportation Amid Rising Crackdown

Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan have expressed increasing concerns over the risk of being deported back to Afghanistan amid a surge in detentions and expulsions of undocumented migrants. They report experiencing the hardship of concealed living due to visa expirations and the looming threat of arrest, as international organizations raise alarms about the plight of Afghan reporters.

Visa Renewals Halted and Rising Concerns

A group of Afghan journalists currently in Pakistan while waiting to be relocated to third countries, say that as the crackdown on undocumented migrants intensifies, many are facing the threat of being sent back to Afghanistan.

Most of these journalists fled to Pakistan following the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, with several now living covertly due to the non-renewal of their visas.

Living in Hiding Due to Visa Expiration

One unnamed Afghan journalist reported that since July 10, alongside the escalating detentions and expulsions of undocumented foreigners in Pakistan, several Afghan journalists have been arrested and subsequently deported back to Afghanistan.

According to this journalist, the renewal of Afghan visas was suspended in May 2025, exacerbating the precarious situation for many in the community.

He added that many reporters in cities like Islamabad and Peshawar are compelled to live hidden lives because of expired visas, constantly fearing arrest by the police.

Fears of Returning to Afghanistan

This reporter, who previously worked with an international media outlet before the fall of the former Afghan government, expressed fears for his safety if returned to Afghanistan due to his prior media involvement.

Similarly, another journalist in Islamabad described a parallel situation, indicating that many Afghan journalists are effectively living under house arrest, awaiting the processing of their transfers to third countries.

RSF: Afghanistan as a Global Hub for Exiled Journalists

The exact number of Afghan journalists in Pakistan remains unclear; however, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has reported that no other country has witnessed as much forced migration of journalists as Afghanistan has.

RSF has described Afghanistan as the “global center for exiled journalists,” noting that from 2021 to 2025, at least 677 Afghan journalists were compelled to flee due to threats, arrests, or life-threatening situations.

Calls for Protection of Afghan Journalists

Several international organizations advocating for press freedom have previously urged the Pakistani government to ensure the safety of Afghan journalists and refrain from returning them to Afghanistan.

This comes at a time when journalists in Afghanistan continues to face severe restrictions, threats, and widespread pressures.

UNAMA: Afghan Media Remain Under Pressure

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also released a recent report stating that journalists and media outlets in Afghanistan are still confronted with severe limitations.

The report cites numerous instances of detaining journalists, suspending media activities, and increasing pressure on media establishments. UNAMA further highlighted that economic challenges have led to the shutdown of several Afghan media outlets, compounding the already dire working environment for journalists.