The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has stopped authorities from deporting two Afghan journalists residing in Pakistan.
The court directed the federal government to decide their cases within 60 days. It also barred authorities from arresting or deporting the journalists during this period.
The petitioners, Syed Ehsanullah Salehi and Syed Munir Ahmed, entered Pakistan legally on visas. Both journalists currently reside in the country, according to their petition.
They told the court that they applied for resettlement in France in 2026. Their applications remain under consideration, while the French embassy has reportedly validated their cases.
Court Orders Protection For Afghan Journalists
The journalists’ lawyer argued that both remained at risk of arrest and deportation. He said the situation restricted their freedom of movement and access to medical facilities.
The PHC directed the federal government and relevant authorities to protect the petitioners during the 60-day period. The court also ordered officials to consider their pending resettlement applications.
If the government fails to decide their cases within 60 days, the Interior Ministry secretary must issue temporary permits.
The court emphasized that authorities must address the matter within the specified timeframe. Until then, officials cannot deport the journalists to Afghanistan.
PHC Refers To Previous Court Directions
In its written judgment, the PHC referred to directions issued in Briale Miankhel and others versus Federation.
The court observed that the federal government had not yet decided similar cases pending before it. It therefore considered the journalists’ pending applications for third-country resettlement.
The court ruled that their applications for resettlement in France required a decision within 60 days. Meanwhile, authorities must refrain from arresting or deporting the two journalists.
The ruling provides temporary protection while the federal government reviews their cases. The journalists can therefore remain in Pakistan during the stipulated period.
