Islamabad, May 21: Pakistani police have arrested Afghan journalist Parvez Aminzada during an ongoing operation in Pakistan. Local media reported this on Thursday.
According to Khama Press, a leading Afghan news agency, Aminzada was apprehended on Wednesday at 6:45 PM in the Faisal Town area of Islamabad. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the reasons for his arrest.
In recent months, there has been a significant increase in the arrest of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, including journalists. This crackdown is reportedly part of a campaign against illegal immigrants, raising concerns among human rights organizations.
On May 8, the Afghan Media Support Organization (AMSO) stated that Afghan refugees in Pakistan face arbitrary arrests, mistreatment, extortion, and threats of forced deportation.
A report released on May 8 indicated that over 3.4 million Afghan migrants have been sent back from Pakistan and Iran since 2023.
Khama Press noted that this action comes amid increasing strictness against undocumented foreigners.
The report revealed that 68.3% of surveyed Afghans reported being arrested or detained. Furthermore, 96.4% of those detained reported experiencing abuse during their arrest or detention.
Additionally, 85.7% of respondents had to pay bribes to avoid arrest or secure their release. Meanwhile, 75.6% reported being threatened, humiliated, and psychologically tormented. Notably, 72.4% were held for more than 48 hours without any legal hearing.
The organization stated that no individual risk assessments were conducted prior to the deportation of anyone from Pakistan.
AMSO reported that this study was prepared in collaboration with the World Organization Against Torture and presented to the United Nations Committee Against Torture.
The report is based on a survey of 41 Afghan citizens, six in-depth interviews, and documents from organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amnesty International, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
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