Afghan Journalist Arrests in Kunduz and Pakistan Draw Condemnation from Media Rights Group

January 11, 2026 – Afghanistan –

The Afghanistan Media Support Organization (AMSO) has condemned the recent arrest of Nazera Rashidi, a female journalist in Kunduz Province, who was detained by Taliban authorities earlier in January 2026 and transferred to an undisclosed location, calling for her immediate and unconditional release and urging respect for legal rights and the safety of female journalists. AMSO highlighted that Rashidi, who supports her underage siblings, has not been accused of any criminal activity, and that her detention reflects widening restrictions on press freedom under Taliban rule.

In a separate statement, AMSO also decried **recent arrests of Afghan journalists in Pakistan, where four journalists and media workers were detained in Islamabad and one expelled, warning that such actions threaten freedom of expression and journalists’ safety. According to the organization, these arrests—often tied to visa or residency issues—create an atmosphere of intimidation that hinders independent reporting and puts journalists at risk of deportation or harassment. AMSO urged Pakistani authorities to release all detained journalists, ensure visa and residency protections, and called on the international community and press freedom advocates to take steps to safeguard Afghan media workers both inside Afghanistan and in exile.

Both developments occur against a backdrop of severe constraints on media freedom facing Afghan journalists since the Taliban’s return to power, including widespread arrests, threats, and censorship that have driven many reporters to seek refuge abroad but left them vulnerable to legal and security pressures in host countries.

References –

Afghan journalists’ arrests in Pakistan threaten press freedom: AMSO – Khaama Press

Afghanistan Media Support Organization Condemns Arrest of Nazera Rashidi in Kunduz