EU-Funded Initiative to Assist Afghan Journalists in Pakistan Launched
With the Support of the European Union, “Freedom Network” organisation has launched a support center to assist Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan.
With the Support of the European Union, “Freedom Network” organisation has launched a support center to assist Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that this programme will support nearly 100 journalists who were forced to go to Pakistan following the recent developments.
This programme aims to ensure the safety of journalists by lobbying with Pakistani policy and decision-makers. It also includes goals such as providing employment opportunities in the host country, offering legal assistance, and conducting workshops to empower journalists.
According to the RSF, there are currently about two hundred Afghan journalists living in Pakistan.
These reporters were forced to flee their country following the Taliban’s takeover of power in Afghanistan in August 2021.
Over the past two years, the Taliban has imposed severe restrictions on the freedom of expression and media activity and has imprisoned a large number of journalists.
RSF said that Afghan journalists living in Pakistan are facing an uncertain future with administrative problems, lack of resources and harassment by the Pakistani police.
In light of the Pakistani government's new plan to deport Afghan refugees and immigrants, these journalists, along with hundreds of thousands of other refugees, are at risk of being deported from Pakistan to Afghanistan under the control of the Taliban.
