In a stark warning from Paris, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has spotlighted Pakistan’s intensifying campaign against Afghan refugees, with exiled journalists caught in the crossfire. The global press advocacy group warns that mounting hostilities between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fueling arbitrary detentions and forced returns that violate international norms.
Following Islamabad’s February 27 declaration of ‘open war’ against Kabul, Pakistani forces have targeted Afghan communities, including media professionals who sought refuge from Taliban censorship. RSF documents reveal a surge in arrests: last week saw multiple journalists detained, contributing to about 20 cases logged since early 2026.
The past fortnight has been particularly brutal, with six RSF-backed journalists deported against their will, totaling nine since January. Voices from the ground paint a picture of fear and extortion. ‘Police raids have become routine since February 27,’ one journalist told RSF, describing constant harassment in Afghan-heavy areas.
Complaints extend to military overreach and corruption, where detainees are bled dry financially. A vivid example: a journalist spent a full day in a detention center, then forked over 115,000 PKR—roughly $400—to secure freedom and stave off deportation. His landlord soon issued an eviction notice, amplifying the trauma.
These individuals bolted from Afghanistan to evade Taliban clamps on journalism. RSF South Asia Desk Head Celine Mercier decried the deportations as retaliatory overreach. ‘Using current tensions to justify expelling those fleeing Taliban persecution is unacceptable. It thrusts them back into mortal danger,’ she emphasized.
Calling for an immediate end to arrests and deportations, Mercier stressed guarantees of safety and adherence to non-refoulement. This wave aligns with Pakistan’s 2023 policy shift toward mass Afghan repatriations, exacerbated by Taliban-related strains.
The episode highlights the precarious plight of journalists in conflict zones, where exile offers no sanctuary. RSF’s advocacy pushes for global pressure to shield these truth-tellers from becoming collateral in interstate feuds.