The ABC News network has highlighted the dire conditions faced by Afghan journalists who fled to Pakistan due to threats from the Taliban. These journalists, hoping to secure humanitarian visas, face challenges such as high living costs, lack of valid residency documents, and the looming threat of deportation.
According to the report, the cost of housing, healthcare, and transportation is beyond the means of many, forcing them to rely on family assistance or their dwindling savings. Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, a new wave of violence against journalists in Afghanistan has emerged, compelling many to flee. However, even in exile, these journalists continue to live in fear of being forced back to Afghanistan and its dangers.
The report also notes that Afghan journalists face not only economic difficulties but also psychological challenges arising from displacement and the prolonged wait for humanitarian visas. Pakistan, while a first refuge for many, has not provided a stable or safe environment for them.
The report underscores the urgent need for Western countries to expedite the process of granting humanitarian visas. These journalists, who risked their lives to report the truth, now find themselves waiting for slow-moving decisions from international agencies.
The plight of these journalists reflects the broader challenges faced by Afghanistan’s press community under the Taliban regime and its aftermath. It serves as a stark reminder of the need for swift international action to protect those who stood on the frontlines of truth and accountability.
