According to The Independent Persian, Sadid, a reporter with TV One, was detained on the evening of June 23 by police for failing to have a valid visa, while walking to a local market with a friend. He was released around midnight the same evening following advocacy from Islamabad’s media community. The journalist reported suffering violence, threats of deportation, and derogatory language from authorities during his detention.
Conflicting reports categorised Sadid’s detainment as an ‘abduction’, alleging that two unknown men wearing police uniforms approached in a private car, forcing Sadid into the vehicle. The assailants then reportedly informed the journalist’s friend they would only release him upon receipt of a ransom totalling PKR 400,000 (approx. USD 1,396).
In a statement, the Pak-Afghan International Forum of Journalists (PAIFJ) condemned the incident, demanding his immediate release. The forum also raised concern over similar harassment faced by Afghan journalists in Pakistan and called on law enforcement to investigate the incident.
The IFJ’s annual South Asia Press Freedom Report 2022-23 has documented an exodus from Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in July 2021. Journalists, media workers, and human rights activists have fled to neighbouring countries fearing persecution, with many hoping to secure a transfer to third countries. Two years on, Afghan journalists and media workers in Pakistan face increased harassment from authorities, widespread poverty, and the risks associated with deportation as Pakistani and global governments suffer from lengthy administrative processes in response to this ongoing human rights crisis.
The IFJ said: “The detention of Mohammad Tahir Sadid is deeply concerning, with the visa difficulties which allegedly incited his arrest a symptom of the systemic failures to support this vulnerable community. The IFJ urges the Pakistani authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident and calls on the international community to commit further assistance to Afghan journalists in exile.”