In a rare public rebuke, the Taliban’s deputy spokesman has lambasted Pakistan for its handling of Afghan refugees, citing a wave of abuses that demand immediate correction. Hamdullah Fitrat’s audio statement, as reported by Pajhwok Afghan News, details rising arrests and torments inflicted on Afghan migrants by local authorities.
Sunday’s coverage brought Fitrat’s words to light: Pakistani officials’ actions are exacerbating refugee hardships, he claimed, calling for UN-led enforcement of protection standards and interventions against violators.
Fitrat advocated for financial assistance to aid repatriation efforts, while insisting Pakistan uphold global norms and cease harassing Afghans. The message resonates amid alarming UN figures: an 18% uptick in detentions of Afghans in Pakistan’s first 10 days of January 2026, primarily in Pishin, Chaman, and Islamabad.
Adding fuel to the fire, Afghan media advocates raised the alarm on Thursday over journalist arrests. AMSO demanded the release of Abdul Rahman Mangal, Asma Mohammadi from Islamabad, and Sameem Naemi from Peshawar, branding the moves as direct attacks on free speech and rights.
The organization pleaded with Pakistani police to stop the cycle of arrests and forced returns, while appealing to international entities for support. Pakistan’s year-long expulsion campaign has repatriated thousands of Afghans, many journalists who escaped post-2021 Taliban restrictions on media.
As diplomatic frictions mount, this episode highlights broader challenges in refugee hosting, balancing security with humanitarian duties. The Taliban’s vocal stance signals deepening rifts, potentially complicating regional stability.