Kabul, February 19 – The Afghanistan Media Support Organisation (AMSO) has stated that Afghan journalists stranded in Pakistan and Iran are facing worsening conditions while they wait for their humanitarian visas, according to local media reports.
The group said that many journalists who left Afghanistan due to security threats now risk deportation from host countries, as relocation remains delayed, Khaama Press, Afghanistan's leading news agency, reported.
AMSO warned that prolonged administrative delays and the lack of a clear visa timeline are deteriorating the psychological and physical well-being of journalists. The group specifically requested the Brazilian authorities and diplomatic missions to immediately process humanitarian visas and provide clear updates on relocation procedures.
Many Afghan journalists who fled Afghanistan now reside in neighboring countries like Pakistan and Iran, where their legal status and livelihoods remain uncertain. AMSO and international rights groups have stated that swift efforts to relocate journalists will protect them from ongoing uncertainty and security risks abroad.
On February 2, AMSO reported that five Afghan journalists were detained by Pakistani police in the past two weeks. According to AMSO, journalist Samim Forough Faizi and cameraman Ataullah Shirzad were among those detained, while others requested anonymity due to security concerns, Khaama Press reported.
The organization stated that the journalists have since been released, but warned that arbitrary detentions and insecurity remain serious concerns for Afghan reporters residing in Pakistan.
AMSO emphasized that Afghan journalists and their families have been facing uncertain conditions in Pakistan due to the fact that Islamabad has not been extending visas to many Afghan refugees.
Rights groups have warned that increasing deportations and strict immigration policies have deteriorated the conditions for Afghan journalists seeking safety and resettlement abroad. AMSO has requested international media and human rights groups to increase support for Afghan journalists who are facing insecurity and legal issues in Pakistan.
