ISLAMABAD: National media watchdog Freedom Network appealed Monday to PM Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to stop arrests and deportation of exiled Afghan journalists who risk serious threats to their lives and families if sent back to Afghanistan.

“Pakistan is pursuing a policy to send back all Afghan refugees, including holders of ‘Proof-of-Registration’ cards besides those living undocumented and without valid travel documents.

The policy is also targeting journalists who left Afghanistan for personal safety after the Taliban took over on 15 August 2021,” a statement issued by the organisation claimed.

“The arrests of exiled Afghan journalists and their deportation risk serious threats to their lives and families in Afghanistan.

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025