AMSO, the Afghanistan Media Support Organization, has recently reported the arrest of four Afghan journalists and media workers in Pakistan.
In a statement posted on its X account, the organization wrote that the arrest of Afghan journalists by Pakistani police is a direct blow to freedom of expression.
The statement emphasizes that journalism is not a crime; rather, it is the voice of the people, a reflection of events, and a fundamental tool for conveying the truth.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organization further stressed that any form of pressure, threat, or arbitrary detention seriously undermines the safety and independent work of journalists.
The organization also called on the Pakistani government and security agencies to immediately release the detained journalists and to respect the safety of journalists who fled the critical situation in Afghanistan.
According to the statement, the closure of visa extension pathways for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, along with the continued arrests, has created a concerning situation.
The Afghanistan Media Support Organization urged media-supporting institutions and civil society organizations to take urgent and effective action regarding the deteriorating situation of Afghan journalists in Pakistan.
Meanwhile, AMSO had recently sent a letter to the United Nations and human rights organizations—signed by 300 Afghan journalists and media workers—calling for support and protection for Afghan journalists in Pakistan.
RSF in Exile had also called on the Pakistani government to halt the persecution, arrest, and deportation of Afghan journalists and media workers as soon as possible.
