Peshawar High Court blocks deportation of two Afghan journalists

The Peshawar High Court has stopped the deportation of two Afghan journalists who are currently living in Pakistan

The Peshawar High Court has stopped the deportation of two Afghan journalists who are currently living in Pakistan.

The court has directed the federal government to decide their cases within two months.

The petitioners have been identified as Syed Ehsanullah Salehi and Syed Munir Ahmed. Both are Afghan journalists.

The court said the two petitioners entered Pakistan on valid visas. They are currently residing in the country.

According to the petitioners, they have applied for resettlement in France. Their applications are still under consideration.

The petitioners also informed the court that the French embassy has already verified their cases.

Their lawyer told the court that both journalists face a risk of arrest and deportation. He said the fear of deportation has also restricted their freedom of movement in Pakistan.

After hearing the case, the high court directed the federal government to determine the matter within 60 days.

The court also issued directions for the situation if the government fails to reach a decision within the given period. It said the Ministry of Interior should grant the petitioners temporary permission to remain in Pakistan.

The ruling provides temporary relief to the two Afghan journalists while their cases are being reviewed by the relevant authorities.

Separately, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said Afghan nationals who wish to return to Pakistan in the future can do so after obtaining a valid visa.

The development comes as Afghan nationals in Pakistan continue to face scrutiny over their legal status and documentation.

The court’s decision means that the two petitioners cannot be deported while the government considers their cases within the period set by the court