Pakistani security forces have arrested an Afghan refugee journalist in Islamabad and transferred him to an undisclosed location.
Abdul Zahir Bahand, an Afghan journalist, told his relatives in a brief phone call that he was arrested by Pakistani security forces while leaving his house. He stated that the reason for his arrest was his criticism of Pakistan’s anti-immigrant policies towards Afghan refugees.
He explained, “They arrested me just because I was the voice of the Afghan people. If I am sent back to Afghanistan, my life will be in danger.”
According to him, the Pakistani security officers detained him without providing any explanation or legal warrant, near his residence in the “Gulberg Greens” area. Bahand emphasized that he had done nothing but raise the voices of Afghan refugees and report on their struggles.
He also mentioned that his family is now left homeless in Pakistan and has no one to support them.
This Afghan journalist had taken refuge in Pakistan after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan. He frequently spoke to the media about the hardships faced by Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Following the collapse of the Republic in Afghanistan, dozens of Afghan journalists and media workers fled to neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan. In recent months, pressure on Afghan media and journalists in Pakistan has increased, with multiple reports of arrests, deportations, and threats.
Just last week, another Afghan journalist named Freshta Sediq was arrested by Pakistani police for lacking legal residency documents. She was released by security forces after 72 hours in custody.
