The Peshawar High Court has barred the federal government and relevant authorities from arresting or deporting two Afghan journalists currently residing in Pakistan, directing the government to determine their cases within 60 days.

The court issued a written judgment on petitions filed by Afghan journalists Syed Ehsanullah Salehi and Syed Munir Ahmad, who are legally residing in Pakistan on valid visas.

According to the judgment, the petitioners said they had applied for resettlement in France in 2026 and their applications are currently under consideration. The French embassy has already completed the verification process in connection with their cases, the court noted.

The petitioners’ counsel told the court that despite their legal status in Pakistan, they fear arrest and deportation. Due to the fear of being deported, they are also unable to move freely and face difficulties in accessing hospitals and other medical facilities, according to the judgment.

Also Read : Truckers Turn Up Heat on Government Over Taxes, Tolls and Diesel Prices

The court observed that it had previously issued directions to the federal government in the Baryalai Mian Khail and others versus Federation case regarding similar matters. However, the federal government has yet to make decisions in the cases pending before the court.

The court directed the federal government and relevant agencies not to arrest or deport the petitioners to Afghanistan for 60 days and ordered the government to examine and decide their cases within this period.

The judgment further stated that if the federal government fails to make a decision within 60 days, the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior shall issue temporary permission allowing the petitioners to remain in Pakistan.

The court noted that the petitioners’ applications for resettlement in a third country, France, remain pending and directed the authorities to take the matter into consideration while deciding their cases.